CaribPR Wire

MIAMI, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Miami based airline, Amerijet International, Inc. has teamed up with World Fuel Services to donate a relief flight from Miami to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

 Amerijet International, Inc. will open its facilities in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston and New York as of tomorrow January 15, 2010 to collect rice, dried beans, tents and money. All donations will be transported to Haiti by air and should only contain these types of goods, which are critical at this time to feed and shelter the homeless.  All cash donations collected will be given to the Fort Lauderdale based organization The Women of the Roundtable. The Women of the Roundtable have established a Rescue Efforts Relief Fund which will be used to purchase food supplies.

 Donation Locations – Amerijet International, Inc.:

 Miami: 3401-A N.W. 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33122 

Fort Lauderdale: 2800 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 USA

Houston: 15415 International Plaza Dr., Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77032

New York: 179-02 150th Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11434 

 The airline will work with the local relief agencies in Haiti who will ensure that the donated food and tents will be distributed to those in need.

 Amerijet operates weekly scheduled all-cargo flights to Haiti.  Our airport warehouse and offices are operational and staffed to resume normal cargo operations.  Due to government restrictions, commercial cargo is prohibited and Amerijet is only accepting relief supplies for its scheduled flights to Haiti.

 ”We are grateful to be able to help bring food and shelter to those whose lives might seem hopeless in this time of need and we are committed to working together to help the people of Haiti to rebuild their communities and lives,” said David Bassett, CEO of Amerijet. “Amerijet has been serving the Haitian community with weekly cargo flights since 1995 and we have always honored our commitment to the communities we serve.”

Amerijet International, Inc. is a full-service multi-modal transportation and logistics provider, offering international, scheduled all-cargo transport via land, sea, and air. Florida-based Amerijet operates offices all over the world, serving destinations throughout the Americas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Amerijet operates Boeing 727-200 and Boeing 767-200 aircraft from its primary hub at Miami International Airport, with 210,000-square-foot export and 100,000-square-foot imports air cargo handling facilities and a 50,000-square-foot ocean cargo facility. A custom-built 10,300 square-foot (227,419 cu. ft.) cooling facility was specially designed to maintain the cool chain integrity of perishables during the transportation process. In addition to the state-of-the-art design features, multiple pre-cooling systems, and 24 hour surveillance, the refrigerated storage space is subdivided into four climate-controlled chambers offering not only refrigerated, but frozen, and chilled storage. For additional information, visit Amerijet on the web at www.amerijet.com.

HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) today pledged up to $250,000 to match employee contributions to Red Cross disaster relief efforts following this week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.

 UTC will match 100 percent of individual contributions to Red Cross relief efforts up to $250 per employee, for a program maximum of $250,000 in matching funds. The Red Cross is raising money to pay for food, water, shelter, medical supplies and other humanitarian relief urgently needed in affected areas.

 ”UTC and its employees are saddened by the tragedy unfolding in Haiti,” said UTC Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Louis Chenevert. “The company is pleased to join with employees who are interested in contributing to help ease the suffering of those affected by this natural disaster.”

 UTC employees in the U.S. who wish to donate may do so through the American Red Cross Web site at http://american.redcross.org/supporthaiti. UTC employees living outside the U.S. may donate via the International Red Cross at http://donate.ifrc.org.

 UTC employees can apply for the company match to their contributions through UTC’s global matching gift program. Details on how to apply for the match will be communicated to UTC’s more than 200,000 employees worldwide via company intranet sites.

 United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries. UTC’s products include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines, Sikorsky helicopters, Carrier heating and air conditioning, Hamilton Sundstrand aerospace systems and industrial products, Otis elevators and escalators, UTC Fire & Security systems and UTC Power fuel cells.

OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — To help the victims of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, McDonald’s Corporation today announced a donation of $500,000 USD to be matched with donations from Arcos Dorados, the company that operates nearly 1,700 McDonald’s restaurants in Latin America. These combined contributions are estimated to total at least $1 million.

 ”McDonald’s has a long legacy of being a dependable corporate neighbor in times of need, and helping the people of Haiti during this crisis is absolutely the right thing to do,” said Jim Skinner, McDonald’s Chief Executive Officer. “While we don’t have McDonald’s restaurants in Haiti, our contribution reflects our commitment to people all over the world.”

 The funds will be channeled through the International Federation of the Red Cross to be used for its disaster relief efforts.

 Along with McDonald’s $500,000 USD matching donation, the team in Latin America has developed a grassroots program to raise funds. From January 16 until January 22, all McDonald’s restaurants operated by Arcos Dorados in 19 countries will donate 50 cents from the sales of individual Big Mac sandwiches and Big Mac Extra Value Meals. Arcos Dorados estimates that these fundraising efforts will generate a minimum of $500,000.

 About McDonald’s

McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 32,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees. Please visit our Web site at www.aboutmcdonalds.com to learn more about the Company.

 ©2010 McDonald’s

 The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, the Golden Arches Logo and Big Mac.

Verizon Wireless Customers Can Contribute $10 to Relief Efforts by Texting ‘HAITI’ to 90999

 NEW YORK, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — The Verizon Foundation has awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to World Vision and Food for the Poor to assist the victims of the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.

 In addition, the Verizon Foundation will match 1-to-1 every dollar donated by Verizon employees to the two nonprofit organizations, up to $1,000 per employee, through the Verizon disaster relief incentive program.

 ”The magnitude of the devastation in Haiti is almost unfathomable,” said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. “Verizon employees are always eager to assist those affected by tragedy, and through the disaster relief incentive program, the impact of their generosity will be doubled. Our hearts go out to all affected by the earthquake, and we will continue to explore ways to assist relief efforts.”

 Verizon Wireless customers can aid the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti by texting “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10. There are no text-messaging fees, and 100 percent of each $10 donation goes to the American Red Cross.

The Verizon Foundation’s $100,000 award consists of grants of $50,000 each to World Vision and Food for the Poor.

 World Vision is dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

 Food for the Poor raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through organizations already operating in areas of need.

 The Verizon Foundation, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $67.5 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $24.4 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation’s largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

 Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving more than 89 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

 VERIZON’S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon’s News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news.  To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Church opens doors to Soles4Souls’ CEO to help raise funds for relief effort

 NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Nashville’s hopepark church announced late Wednesday it will help Soles4Souls Inc., the shoe charity, in their efforts to ship 100,000 pairs of shoes to the survivors of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. The death toll from the 7.0 earthquake is estimated to reach more than 100,000 people. It is considered the worst disaster to hit the Caribbean in more than 200 years. 

 After hearing news of the disaster and watching the devastation unfold, hopepark Pastor David Perez knew his church body would want to respond and support the people of Haiti.  Once he received word of the shoe charity’s commitment, he reached out to Soles4Souls.

 ”Showing compassion to our neighbors by growing faith, giving hope and spreading love is one of the principles on which our church operates,” explained Perez, who has led the hopepark church (formerly Bellevue Community Church) since 2007.  “The scale of the tragedy in Haiti moves all of us to respond.  Fortunately, Soles4Souls is positioned to begin immediately delivering relief – and hope – to the people of Haiti.”

 On Sunday, January 17th, Soles4Souls’ Founder Wayne Elsey will be present at hopepark church to share the mission of the shoe charity and allow congregants the opportunity to support the relief efforts in place. The services are broadcast live on the Internet at hopepark.com/resources/webcast.

 ”Recovery for the people of Haiti will require a sustained humanitarian effort from everyone who can give,” said Wayne Elsey.  “We are grateful to our partners at hopepark for their support and need other organizations to get involved in the process of rescuing and rebuilding the lives of these victims.” 

 According to Elsey, a pair of decent shoes is absolutely necessary in order to participate effectively in rescue and rebuilding efforts among broken glass, twisted metal and raw sewage. The shoe charity has received truckloads of work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes, sport sandals, socks and other accessories to be delivered as soon as possible to aid centers in Haiti.  In partnership with several other aid organizations, Soles4Souls is also sending emergency aid that includes footwear, food, medical supplies, bottled water, tents, blankets, baby products and more.

 For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.

 About Soles4Souls®

Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you.  We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

 About the hopepark church

Founded in 1988, the hopepark church is defined by its congregation’s commitment to growing faith, giving hope and spreading love. hopepark has become known as a church where all are welcome – regardless of background or belief – because every life is important to God.

 hopepark services are held Sundays at 8:30am, 10am and 11:30am, and are broadcast live on the Internet.  Learn more at www.hopepark.com.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Kirk for Soles4Soles, +1-615-391-5723, [email protected]; or Colleen Gibson for hopepark church, +1-615-662-6136, [email protected]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Kellogg Company today announced a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist with earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. The contribution is being made by Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund, the charitable arm of Kellogg Company. 

“This disaster has devastated what is already one of the poorest countries in the world,” said Dr. Celeste Clark, senior vice president of corporate affairs, Kellogg Company.  “The situation for the people of Haiti is dire, and we believe it is critical for us to provide support to relief efforts.”

For the past year, Kellogg has partnered with a humanitarian organization to provide food in Haiti.  Kellogg will work with this organization and others involved in relief efforts to continue to provide food products.

In addition, Kellogg will encourage employees and retirees to support relief efforts by providing a dollar-for-dollar match to the American Red Cross.

With 2008 sales of nearly $13 billion, Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods.  Kellogg products are manufactured in 19 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries around the world. Kellogg Company and Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund, the charitable arm of Kellogg Company, contributed more than $40 million in cash and $120 million in product to various charitable organizations around the world over the last five years.  Visit www.kelloggcompany.com.  Kellogg’s Corporate Responsibility report including its approach, progress and future direction in the marketplace, workplace, environment and community can be found at www.kelloggcompany.com/CR.  For information on Kellogg Company’s commitment to nutrition, visit www.kelloggnutrition.com.