Nestlé Waters North America (NWNA) is proud to be a Silver level sponsor of the American Red Cross. Founded in 1881, the American Red Cross currently has nearly one million volunteers and 35,000 employees who respond annually to some 70,000 disasters. Nestlé Waters North America pledged $600,000 in funding and product over three years starting in 2004. NWNA also covers the packaging and shipping expenses necessary to transport its donated products to any designated site. The American Red Cross has used NWNA’s donations to provide relief to victims of disasters across the United States and its territories.
During the 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita, water was one of the most desperately needed items. Health officials warned storm victims about contaminated water and with soaring summer temperatures, no electricity and no air conditioning; there was a huge need for clean drinking water. Nestlé Waters North America donated about 1.5 million bottles of water to the American Red Cross and other relief agencies for hurricane victims and volunteers.
“I have volunteered at the scene of many types of disasters, and have personally experienced and worked on the relief operations for Hurricane Charley, Francis and Ivan in the summer of 2004. I can tell you that putting your arm around individuals whose homes were devastated by a disaster and providing them with a cold drink of water helps refresh their body and soothes anxious nerves. Simple things can mean a lot. When disaster strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to meet people’s immediate emergency needs. One of the most basic of those needs is clean, safe drinking water. Thanks to generous bulk donations of products from companies such as Nestlé Waters, the American Red Cross can be there — I can be there — providing these essentials of life to people in their time of need.
Nestlé Waters, thank you for helping us help others.”
Sandy ZuiderhoekVolunteerAmerican Red Cross
Wall Street Journal (December 28, 2005) - American Red Cross Recognizes 2005 Donors including Nestlé Waters North America.