Following the devastating tornado in Moore, Oklahoma last week, car manufacturers have been amongst those offering financial assistance – and the use of vehicles.
The tornado, which killed 24 people including 10 children when it ripped through homes and schools in the suburban town on 20th May, is estimated to have caused at least $2bn worth of damage.
Automotive companies such as Toyota, Chrysler, Volkswagen and Ford have come forward to assist the relief effort in Oklahoma.
Ford Motor Co. Fund has announced that they will donate $400,000 to the relief effort, including $250,000 to the American Red Cross. They are also providing a Ford Transit Connect van, and will assist those whose vehicles were damaged with the purchase of a new Ford car.
Ford dealers in Oklahoma also donated $150,000 to the United Way, a non-profit organisation that pools fundraising efforts across America.
Jim Vella, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services president, said, “The impact of these tornadoes is devastating on thousands of families… We know there is great need for assistance, and Ford, its dealers and employees are coming together to provide needed resources.”
The Volkswagen of America Foundation– formed by the Volkswagen Group of America Inc. to support disaster relief – has also contributed, announcing a donation of $250,000 to the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.
Similarly, Toyota Motor Corporation has pledged $250,000 to the relief efforts. Like Ford and Volkswagen, it has claimed that it will also match employee donations to the cause.
The Chrysler Foundation (the charitable arm of Chrysler Group LLC) has announced that it will provide $100,000 to First Response Team of America, a disaster-relief organization which has already benefited from three of Chrysler’s heavy-duty trucks.
Yesterday, President Obama visited Moore to reassure residents of the 1200 homes that were damaged during the tornado that they would receive assistance from the government. He said he was a “messenger”, bringing words of sympathy and support from the entire nation.
Habitat for Humanity is assessing the impact on housing across the affected areas and will assist with cleanup, repairs and new construction efforts as need and available resources become clearer. Click below to donate to Habitat for Humanity