Contact: Jody D. Donaldson, Regional Director, Marketing & Communications
Telephone: 703-801-6808
Email: jody.donaldson@redcross.org

FAIRFAX, VA – April 23, 2020 — This month, the American Red Cross accepted a $1 million donation from Nestlé to support Red Cross COVID-19 relief efforts throughout the United States.

Red Cross officials, including Don Herring, Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross, and Linda Voss, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region, thanked Nestlé for its longstanding partnership and commitment to the Red Cross and its mission.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nestlé is partnering with the American Red Cross, the nation's oldest and largest humanitarian organization. Nestlé cares about the people and communities in which they work and serve, has a strong corporate commitment to help build healthy societies through good nutrition, and seeks to meet the immediate personal needs of those affected by this disaster.

Steve Presley, CEO of Nestlé USA, said, “I’m deeply inspired by the tireless work of the Red Cross and its volunteers helping people around the country. They are on the frontline of this crisis providing vital services and resources needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This donation is part of Nestlé’s larger commitment to utilizing our reach to make a meaningful impact in our communities as we recover together. As this crisis brings new challenges on a daily basis, we continue to look for new opportunities to be a part of the global response.”

Nestlé’s generous $1 million contribution will help ensure a safe and plentiful blood supply as well as provide vital services and resources such as food, water, cots, blankets, pillows, comfort kits, and snacks. Together, we will support the communities across the country to ensure that no one is left to face recovery alone.

"The Red Cross is proud to count Nestlé as a partner in making sure we can continue to deliver our lifesaving mission nationwide due to this public health emergency," said Don Herring, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross. "Nestlé’s gift helps ensure that the Red Cross can help patients in need of blood and ensure that, due to the coronavirus outbreak, we are able to provide critical relief services to people affected by disasters big and small."

Globally, Nestlé has pledged to support the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in several ways, including a 10 million Swiss Franc donation, logistical support in various countries, donations of food, medical nutrition products and bottled water, and matching of employee contributions to the organization.

Each year, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters across the country, including home fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires. Red Cross services are provided to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income through the generosity of Red Cross donors.

Individuals can help the American Red Cross continue to deliver its lifesaving mission nationwide due to this public health emergency by making a gift at redcross.org.  

###

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org, or visit us on Twitter at @redcross.

About Nestlé in the U.S.:

Nestlé in the United States is committed to enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future for individuals and families, for our thriving and resilient communities, and for the planet. We are transforming our product portfolio by focusing on high-growth categories, including pet care, bottled water, coffee, consumer health and infant nutrition, and offering brands people love. With approximately 36,000 employees across 34 states, Nestlé in the U.S. offers a wide portfolio of food and beverage products for people and their pets throughout their lives. Nestlé in the U.S. consists of seven main businesses: Nestlé USA, Nestlé Waters North America, Nestlé Nutrition, Nestlé Professional, Nespresso, Nestlé Health Science, and Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. For more information, visit Nestleusa.com or Facebook.com/NestleUSA.