Today, the American Red Cross is recognizing Ameriprise Financial, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief through the Disaster Responder Program with a pledge of $250,000. Thanks to this donation in advance of disasters, the Red Cross is prepared to help meet the needs of people affected by disasters big and small, anytime and anywhere across the U.S.

Disaster Responder Program members, along with their employees and customers, pledge financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters, powering the Red Cross with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support to those in crisis. These donations keep the Red Cross ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice — offering a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, emotional support and resources to aid in recovery — while also helping prepare people and communities for disasters yet to come.

“Every day in the face of disasters, the generosity of Disaster Responder members like Ameriprise Financial, Inc. ensures the Red Cross can provide comfort and care to people in their darkest hours,” said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are extremely grateful for these contributions before disasters strike because it enables us to respond to disasters immediately and compassionately, when help and hope are needed most.”

“The number of natural disasters and crises have surged in recent years and the American Red Cross has consistently shown up to help people in need,” said Brian Pietsch, head of Community Relations at Ameriprise Financial. “As a company focused on financial planning, we’re committed to helping people plan for unexpected events in all aspects of their lives. We’ve been long-time supporters of the American Red Cross and we’re proud to make a financial commitment to a program that provides necessities like food, shelter, health services and relief items – all within a moment’s notice when disaster strikes.”

From historic hurricanes to record-breaking wildfires and severe storms, Red Cross volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past year to provide food, emergency lodging and comfort to hundreds of thousands of people in need across the country. Disaster Responder members helped ensure the Red Cross had critical resources on hand — before these disasters struck — to immediately mobilize supplies, equipment and trained disaster workers where they were needed most.

Contributions by Disaster Responder members have also enabled the Red Cross to adapt its services to help keep everyone safe during the coronavirus pandemic. 

While large disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and wildfires typically draw national attention, each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters across the country — the majority of which are home fires. Generous donations from Disaster Responder members enable the Red Cross to provide services to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income. 

And thanks to Disaster Responder members, Red Cross volunteers are also helping communities become better prepared and more resilient, educating people nationwide about disaster preparedness and giving them the reassurance and confidence to face crises of all kinds. 

Individuals can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations to Disaster Relief enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years. With a network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors and extensive asset management, advisory and insurance capabilities, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of consumer financial needs. For more information, visit ameriprise.com.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.