Mondelez International renews $2M pledge toward disaster aid
DEERFIELD, Ill. -- The Mondelez International Foundation announced the renewal of a two-year, $2 million pledge on Wednesday to help leading global disaster relief organizations deliver humanitarian aid more quickly.
The foundation works with two partners - the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the American Red Cross - to respond to both international and domestic natural disasters. The IFRC represents 190 member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, including the American Red Cross, empowered by a network of 17 million volunteers worldwide.
"Support from the Mondelez International Foundation has helped communities affected by disasters around the globe restore their well-being," said Sarah Delea, President of the Mondelez International Foundation and Senior Director of Global Well-being and Community Involvement. "We're proud of our long-standing partnership with IFRC and American Red Cross. This pledge deepens our commitment to protecting the well-being of people and the planet by enabling our partners to help people and communities before, during and after a disaster."
By supporting the IFRC's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund and participating in the American Red Cross' Annual Disaster Giving Program, the Mondelez International Foundation is helping provide a reliable, pre-funded base of financial support for immediate response when disaster strikes.
"The DREF ensures that immediate financial support is available for National Red Cross and Red Crescent Society emergency response work, assisting millions of people worldwide every year," said Jemilah Mahmood, IFRC Under Secretary General for Partnerships. "We can only do this thanks to partners such as Mondelez International. Support to our DREF enables us to truly make a difference in the lives of people affected by disasters and crises."
As one of the largest National Red Cross Societies, the American Red Cross is frequently called to assist with international disasters in addition to their domestic support.
"Ongoing financial support from Annual Disaster Giving Program members, such as Mondelez International, helps create a reliable funding base for disaster relief services, providing food, shelter, emotional support and other essential assistance," said David Staszak, Red Cross chief development officer. "Money donated by the public and ADGP is essential to our ability to assist disaster survivors and support the first responders and volunteers who work tirelessly at the scene of a disaster."
Over the last 25 years, Mondelez International has contributed more than $1.8 billion in cash and food to charitable organizations around the world. In addition, as part of a multi-year, $50 million commitment, the Mondelez International Foundation works with global NGO partners to empower communities to embrace active and healthier lifestyles across 13 markets around the world.