Cargill China raises over RMB 7.3 million for the earthquake relief
June 27, 2008
Contact:
- Catherine Zhang Email: Catherine_zhang@cargill.com Telephone: 86 10 8486319 Fax: 86 10 64668167
Beijing — One day after the devastating earthquake struck Sichuan Province in China, Cargill China quickly mobilized to collect funds for the relief efforts by initiating a worldwide fund raising campaign among its businesses and employees. As of today, Cargill China has collected over RMB 7.3 million in earthquake relief to help the people affected. Donations to help the people affected by the earthquake have originated from its corporate headquarters in the United States, China business units, Cargill offices in other countries and Cargill employees inside and outside of China. In addition to its large contribution, Cargill’s headquarters matched employees’ contributions dollar for dollar. Cargill employees from 28 locations in China enthusiastically responded to this relief campaign through their local committees of Cargill China Cares Council (CCCC).
“I want to express my deepest regret to the quake victims in Sichuan and also my greatest respect to all the rescuer workers who are fighting to save and care for those affected in the quake-hit areas. Our hearts go out to the people of Sichuan Province. We all now have to join together to help those affected by the earthquake. We hope our donation can help people in need at this critical time. “ said Norwell Coquillard, President of Cargill China.
A portion of the funds collected by Cargill, RMB 3.1 million has been donated to China Red Cross and the International Red Cross for emergency relief use. Approximately RMB 700,000 of the funds was used to assist Cargill employees and customers impacted by the disaster by providing them with emergency relief supplies. Furthermore, Cargill will spend RMB 3.5 million supporting post-quake reconstruction projects, of which RMB 3 million is going to Beijing Normal University Education Fund targeting at education policy research and psychotherapy for earthquake affected children; and RMB 500,000 will be given to another Chinese partner organization. Cargill will also support its employees to volunteer in the devastated region and work with partner organizations to assist in the rebuilding efforts.
David Kim, the business unit leader of Cargill Animal Nutrition (CAN China) said, ”Cargill has one feed plant in Chengdu and one in Chongqing. We have already confirmed that all of our employees and their families are safe. The quake caused only minor damage to our office building at the Chengdu plant. After an in-depth inspection of the entire facility, the Chengdu plant has resumed normal operations. Currently CAN’s local teams are contacting our dealers and customers in the region to provide assistance where possible.”
Cargill’s corporate social responsibility is rooted in the company’s 140-year history. The concept of social responsibility is an essential part of the corporate culture and commercial operating philosophy. Cargill will continue to join hands in cooperating with the government, charity organizations and its customers and suppliers to build a new countryside and a harmonious society.
About Cargill
Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services with 158,000 employees in 66 countries. Cargill is committed to using its knowledge and experience to cooperate with customers to help them succeed. Cargill seeks to become the global leader in nourishing human beings by creating unique value for its customers. Our practice is to manage to be trustworthy, innovative and enterprising. For more information, please visit Cargill’s website: http://www.cargill.com.
About Cargill China
Cargill started trade with China soon after President Nixon’s visit in 1972. Cargill’s annual trade value with China today exceeds US$ 5 billion. Currently, Cargill sells grains, oilseeds, steel products, sugar, cotton, fruit juices, essences, meats and other commodities to China while purchasing Chinese commodities such as steel products and apple juice. It also provides ocean freight carriers and risk management services to clients in the food and industrial fields. Cargill has set up 34 wholly owned companies and joint ventures in 20 provinces in China. Projects range from soybean crushing in Guangdong to corn deep processing in Jilin and animal feed production in Sichuan. Cargill and its joint ventures employ over 4,400 people in China. Please visit Cargill’s China website: http://www.cargill.com.cn.