Displaced for nearly two years after Superstorm Sandy ravaged the New York area, a mother and daughter returned home last week, welcomed by many of the volunteers who helped rebuild their Breezy Point home in the Rockaway area of Queens.

A ribbon-cutting celebration marked the 100th home that has been rebuilt in Rockaway, Staten Island and Monmouth County, N.J., by St. Bernard Project (SBP) with support from Zurich North America, a commercial property and casualty insurer.

Zurich volunteers and representatives from SBP and its local affiliate, Friends of Rockaway, cheered during an emotional moment as homeowner Doris Gresser and daughter Lorraine Burke walked into their refurbished house.

The home had sustained significant structural damage from the water and wind that overwhelmed the area during the storm. While Doris and Lorraine were able to fix some of the damage, they couldn’t complete the extensive repairs without the help of SBP – a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping disaster-impacted communities recover.

Zurich has helped support SBP for five years.

“It’s a great feeling to see Doris and Lorraine finally return home after such a devastating storm,” said Ed Lopes, east regional executive for Zurich North America. “SBP’s mission aligns with Zurich’s focus of building sustainable communities by leveraging our risk management expertise and passion to help.”

Employees from Zurich’s New York and New Jersey offices have volunteered more than 4,000 hours to help rebuild homes in Sandy-impacted communities over the past 15 months. The Gresser home was the site of a Zurich friends and family build on June 1 that involved two dozen volunteers.

The Z Zurich Foundation recently committed $165,000 to SBP for Sandy recovery projects in addition to a $3 million grant to support SBP’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lab, which will help at-risk communities across America better prepare for natural disasters.

Zurich’s relationship with SBP has grown each year since it began in New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina. Since 2009, more than 1,000 Zurich employees, customers, brokers and distributors have teamed up with SBP to rebuild homes in New Orleans, Staten Island, Rockaway and Joplin, Mo., where major storms have had shattering impacts.

Best practices learned in New Orleans – where SBP was launched in 2006 following Katrina – have been used in rebuilding other communities. SBP has helped approximately 700 families across the country return to their homes. More than 200 home rebuilds lie ahead for SBP in the New York area as Sandy recovery efforts continue.

The Hartford
The Hartford has pledged $100,000 to Typhoon Haiyan American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. The contribution includes a $50,000 corporate gift and a dollar-for-dollar match of employee donations up to $50,000.

“Our hearts go out to the Filipino community and all those whose family and friends have been impacted by Typhoon Haiyan,” said Greg Brown, senior vice president of Commercial Operations at The Hartford and a board member of the American Red Cross, Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. “We are confident the country will rebuild and move forward from this catastrophe.”

Assurant
The Assurant Foundation and Assurant Specialty Property today announced a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross, to help victims of Sunday’s tornadoes in the Midwest.

The contribution from the Assurant Foundation, the charitable arm of specialty insurance provider Assurant, Inc., will go to the Red Cross’ disaster relief fund. The organization is providing shelter and other assistance for storm victims in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.

Zurich
Zurich has launched a campaign through which employees can make donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Employee donations made through this campaign or to other organizations supporting typhoon disaster relief will be matched 1:1 by the Z Zurich Foundation, up to CHF 250,000 (Swiss Francs). Matching funds will support the disaster relief efforts of the International Federation of the Red Cross.

HUB International
In response to Typhoon Haiyan, HUB International has chosen to support the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross. HUB will match every dollar that employees donate up to $25,000.

Nationwide
Nationwide Insurance provided humanitarian relief teams in Kokomo, Indiana on Wednesday and Thursday of this week to provide aid to the victims of the tornadoes that swept through the area on Sunday. The teams provided much needed water, food, paper products, cleaning supplies and other goods.

ACE Charitable Foundation
ACE is committing $250,000 USD towards future rebuilding projects or series of projects in the Philippines.  In addition, ACE will match employee donations to the Red Cross relief efforts 1:1.

Swiss Re Foundation
The Swiss Re Foundation has donated a total of $550,000 to-date in response to the typhoon in the Philippines.

• $275,000 to the Swiss Red Cross
• $110,000 to Save the Children (employee donations)
• $165,000 (Foundation’s employee match)

Aon
As an Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) member, Aon’s annual grant of $500,000 USD to the Red Cross ensures that resources are available in advance of major disasters like this. With pre-positioned supplies and adequately secured resources, the Red Cross can immediately take action when disasters strike.

In addition, Aon colleagues have been encouraged to contribute to the American Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Typhoon Appeals. The Aon Foundation – US and Aon Charitable Fund – UK will match colleague donations to these appeals.

Travelers Commits $100,000 to Assist Relief Efforts in the Philippines
The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced that in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the company will make an immediate donation of $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts. Additionally, the company will match employee donations up to $50,000, for a total corporate commitment of $100,000.

“The devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines has created a humanitarian crisis of vast proportions,” said Marlene Ibsen, vice president of Community Relations. “As an organization, Travelers has a strong tradition of supporting communities in times of need, and we are pleased that we are able to contribute to the disaster relief efforts and support our employees who wish to help.”

Travelers will match employee donations to the American Red Cross, Save the Children or the International Rescue Committee, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.

Farmers Insurance
Farmers has committed matching donations from our agents and employees up to $25,000 to the American Red Cross International Services.

Assurant Announces Donation for Fallen Arizona Firefighters
$19,000 Contribution to 100 Club, Honoring Victims of Yarnell Fire
The Assurant Foundation, the charitable arm of specialty insurance provider Assurant Inc., announced today a $19,000 contribution to assist the families of fallen first responders, in memory of 19 elite firefighters who died battling a catastrophic wildfire in Arizona June 30.

The contribution will go to the 100 Club of Arizona, a nonprofit that assists firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first public-safety personnel and their families. The organization is helping the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots killed at Yarnell, Ariz.

“Our thoughts are with their families and friends, and the community, as they cope with this terrible loss,” said Robert Hill, senior vice president of Assurant Specialty Property and president of Scottsdale-based American Reliable Insurance Co., an Assurant company.
Courtesy of the Claims Journal

Texas Mutual Answers IIAT’s Call for Economic Relief to West, Texas
July 2, 2013: AUSTIN, Texas— Texas Mutual Insurance Company announced today that it is donating $5,234 toward the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) Trusted Choice Foundation^® relief fund for West, Texas. The money will help restore West and its fire services following the explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in April.

Steve Math, senior vice president of underwriting at Texas Mutual, presented the check to Patrick Watkins, IIAT president, this morning during the IIAT’s Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

“Volunteer firefighters were the first on the scene after the West explosion, risking their lives to protect others,” said Watkins. “It is critical that they have the resources they need to continue doing their jobs effectively and, above all, safely. When IIAT put out the call for donations, it was no surprise Texas Mutual responded. They’re a strong business partner, but more importantly, an unwavering supporter of IIAT’s community initiatives.”

In total, the IIAT/Trusted Choice Foundation^® raised more than $50,000 toward the relief effort. Contributors included IIAT member agencies and insurance carriers.

“More than two decades ago, Texas Mutual made a permanent commitment to our state’s employers and their employees,” said Math. “That commitment extends to the communities where we live. Texas Mutual applauds the IIAT for spearheading this initiative, and we are proud to be associated with it.”

West is a community of about 3,000 people located 18 miles north of Waco. On April 17, 2013, the West Fertilizer Company caught fire. While emergency personnel worked to douse the flames, the plant exploded. Fifteen people died, and more than 200 were injured.
Courtesy of the Claims Journal

AIG Disaster Relief Fund Donates Over $1 Million to Local Organizations Affected By Storm Sandy
NEW YORK, July 9, 2013 – American International Group, Inc. announced today that the AIG Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) has donated more than $1 million to local organizations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania that were affected by Storm Sandy. The donations followed an in-depth analysis by AIG’s claims department, which helped determine which organizations would benefit most. AIG established the Disaster Relief Fund to assist victims of natural and man-made disasters around the world.

The money from the DRF will be divided among seven organizations, including branches of the Brooklyn, New York and Queens Public Libraries, the Police Athletic League of New York, and the YMCA.  Additional beneficiaries included the South Street Seaport Museum and the Robert L. Craig Elementary School in New Jersey.

“Helping customers and communities recover and rebuild from disasters is at the very core of our business,” said AIG Property Casualty CEO Peter Hancock. “This donation demonstrates not only tremendous partnership within our own organization and local communities, but also our steadfast commitment to providing support and relief to those who need it most.”

In addition to the money from the DRF, AIG employees made personal contributions to, and raised funds for, organizations affected by Storm Sandy. For example, AIG employees in the U.K. raised additional money for a devastated school district in New Jersey.

“AIG Disaster Relief Fund aids continuing Sandy recovery,” a video about AIG’s commitment to the community, and the ongoing recovery efforts of the donation recipients, is available on AIG’s YouTube channel.

Courtesy of the Claims Journal

CMJ Underwriters
June 28, 2013: In support of a station hit hard by Superstorm Sandy, CMJ Underwriters (part of Fireman’s Fund) is directing $25,000 to a FDNY station located in Queens. With these funds, the station is able to purchase a forcible entry simulator, training props and firefighter fitness equipment. The simulator is a large, sturdy door and frame combination that gives firefighters hands-on experience at forcing open locked doors. This training tool will provide firefighters practice with pry bars, hand tools and power tools. Repeated practice increases the speed of entry, saving valuable time during emergencies.

Courtesy of the Claims Journal

Oklahoma/Midwest Tornadoes

Community Safety Foundation Donates $100,000 to American Red Cross
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 28, 2013 – The Community Safety Foundation, a private nonprofit organization funded by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange, announced today it is giving a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross. The donation will support rebuilding efforts in hard-hit Moore, Oklahoma, and other devastated regions.

The Foundation is dedicated to improving the safety and security of the communities served by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange by making strategic philanthropic grants to improve community safety and disaster preparedness and to provide consumer and insurance education.

“This generous donation supports our work in Oklahoma and other regions, helping people begin the recovery process after this tragic storm,” said Jean Nickaloff, Interim CEO for the American Red Cross Bay Area. “These funds allow us to expand our relief efforts for affected families to meet emergency needs and connect them with recovery resources.”

“Both the American Red Cross and the Community Safety Foundation are dedicated to rebuilding communities after they’ve been devastated by a disaster,” said Rose Guilbault, President of the Community Safety Foundation. “Our hearts go out to those impacted and we want to support them in this time of recovery.”

Allstate
To help the community recover, Allstate and The Allstate Foundation, together with agency owners and employees, will donate up to $75,000 for relief efforts. The American Red Cross, a long-standing partner in disaster recovery, will receive a grant of up to $50,000 to help meet the immediate needs of those affected by the storm. An additional $25,000 grant will support a local nonprofit helping the people of Moore rebuild their lives.

Challenge–Raise $25,000 in two days for Oklahoma Tornado Victims
The principals of Hanover Stone Partners, LLC have made a matching pledge of $5,000 to a fund raiser organized by The Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance. For every dollar donated, Hanover Stone Partners, LLC will contribute the same amount, up to $5,000 in total.

IIAT
The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) has raised $22,000 for relief in West, Texas. The money has been contributed to the Waco Foundation West Relief Fund: www.wacofoundation.org.

Travelers
Travelers will make a $50,000 donation for relief efforts related to the Oklahoma tornado.

Assurant Foundation Contributes Financial Support for Oklahoma Tornado Disaster Relief
The Assurant Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Assurant, Inc., announced that it will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist residents of Oklahoma affected by tornadoes. In addition, the Assurant Foundation will match employee donations in support of disaster relief efforts.

The Assurant Foundation will provide a two-for-one match of employee donations to the American Red Cross as part of a “Do More for Moore” challenge. It also will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for employee donations and local fundraising for other charitable organizations supporting humanitarian efforts in Oklahoma.

Wells Fargo Donates $100,000 for Oklahoma Tornado Victims
Wells Fargo & Company announced that it is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist individuals and families affected by this week’s devastating tornado in Moore, Okla. and surrounding areas. The American Red Cross will use the money to help tornado victims in the region.

“When a community is faced with such a tragic loss of life and destruction of property, it’s our duty to act and to help bring relief to those in need,” said Jon Campbell, executive vice president of Government and Community Relations at Wells Fargo. “We hope our contribution will help the people in this community address their very vital, immediate needs and begin the longer process of recovery.”

Midwest Hit by Multiple Storms

Dozens of tornadoes and intense thunderstorms  hit the Midwest on Sunday. Powerful winds flattened entire neighborhoods, leaving at least six people dead.

In Washington, a rural Illinois community, whole blocks of houses were erased from the landscape. Intense thunderstorms and giant hail threatened 53 million people across 10 states, leaving tens of thousands without power.

Typhoon Haiyan Hits the Philippines

Packing winds of nearly 200 mph, Super Typhoon Haiyan blasted the Philippines Friday. Thousands evacuated villages in the central Philippines in the wake of the largest typhoon ever recorded. Typhoon Haiyan killed at least 3,976 people, and another 1,600 are missing, according to the latest government tally.

Typhoon Haiyan has displaced an estimated 4 million people in the Philippines, posing an extraordinary challenge to government and relief agencies.

HOW TO HELP: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/09/philippines-haiyan-how-to-help-_n_4247106.html

NSDRF Search Teams ANDREW PITCHER & CHIEF and DAMON WIRTH & GEORGE of Nebraska Task Force 1 were deployed early Friday morning (with teammates Rhonda Comegys & Stryker and Laura Denison & Keeper) to assist in rescue efforts following torrential downpours and flooding throughout Colorado. Rescuers from Colorado Task Force 1 and Utah Task Force 1 are also responding to the region. The two SDF teams were also deployed to the deadly Oklahoma tornadoes last May.

Our thoughts are with the families in the affected areas and with the first responders sent in to ensure no one is left behind in the wreckage. At times like these, we stand together as a nation and support those in harm’s way.

The American Red Cross continues to be there for thousands of people impacted by devastating flash floods in Colorado and other states. The latest update is below.

Flooding Update
Beginning around September 11, more than half a year’s worth of rain fell in a three day period causing flooding in several counties in Central and Northern Colorado. The rainfall in the Boulder area alone was enough to qualify the storm as a 1 in a 1,000 year event.

In Colorado, the threat for flash flooding has significantly diminished across northeast Colorado; however, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are still possible today across the region, mainly during the afternoon and early evening hours.

Due to the historic flooding in Colorado, thousands of evacuations have occurred statewide. Nearly 3,000 residences are still without power and approximately 3,500 others without natural gas, and boil water orders are still in effect for several counties. Dozens of roads remain closed, and the government estimates that as many as 18,000 homes are affected. Access to some communities remains difficult due to flood waters and damaged roads.

American Red Cross Response
The American Red Cross is supporting rescue operations in Colorado by providing food, shelter, relief supplies and comfort to thousands of people forced from their homes by devastating flash flooding. As flooded areas begin to re-open, the Red Cross will be there to assess the damage, distribute clean up supplies and support a recovery effort that will take weeks and months. We’re already planning for that effort now.

The Red Cross is working closely with local emergency management officials, the Colorado National Guard and community organizations to ensure people get the help they need. More than 250 trained Red Cross disaster workers are deployed to Colorado, along with more than 20 emergency response vehicles and six trucks of relief supplies. Working with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Red Cross has served more than 7,100 meals and snacks.

Flooding has also caused numerous evacuations in New Mexico and Texas and Red Cross workers are helping people in those states, providing shelter, meals and comfort for those affected. More than 50 people spent Sunday night in four shelters in New Mexico and Texas. The region continues to be a relief priority for the Red Cross as more rain is expected in the area from tropical storm systems over the next few days.

Honor Roll: Annual Disaster Giving Program and Disaster Responder
Through the generosity of our American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and Disaster Responder members, the American Red Cross is prepared before disaster strikes. ADGP and Disaster Responder members help secure a reliable funding base for disaster relief services that enables the Red Cross to respond immediately, meeting the needs of individuals and families affected by disaster anywhere in the United States, regardless of cost.

Right now the Red Cross is on the ground and taking action with the support of our ADGP and Disaster Responder partners.

Current ADGP members are:

• 3M
• Altria Group
• American Express
• Aon
• AT&T
• Bank of America
• BNY Mellon
• Caterpillar Inc.
• CHS Foundation
• Cisco Foundation
• Citi Foundation
• The Clorox Company
• Community Safety Foundation, funded by CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer
• ConAgra Foods Foundation
• Costco Wholesale Corporation
• Darden Restaurants Foundation
• Dell Inc.
• Discover
• Disney
• Dr Pepper Snapple Group
• Edison International
• FedEx Corporation
• GE Foundation
• H-E-B
• Hewlett-Packard Company Foundation
• The Home Depot Foundation
• Humble Bundle
• jcpenney
• John Deere Foundation
• Johnson Controls
• Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• Kraft Foods Group
• Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
• Medtronic
• Meijer
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Mondelēz International
• National Grid
• Nationwide Insurance Foundation
• Northrop Grumman Foundation
• PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation
• Southwest Airlines
• Sprint
• State Farm
• State Street
• Target
• Texas Instruments
• The TJX Companies, Inc.
• University of Phoenix
• UPS
• US Airways
• VSP℠ Vision care for life
• Walmart
• WellPoint Foundation
• Wells Fargo 

Current Disaster Responder members are:

• AstraZeneca
• AXA Foundation
• Delta Air Lines
• Farmers Insurance
• Ford Motor Company
• General Motors Foundation
• H&M
• H&R Block
• Ingersoll Rand Foundation
• Morgan Stanley
• New Balance Foundation
• Northwestern Mutual and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation
• Procter & Gamble Company
• PuroClean
• Residence Inn by Marriott
• Ryder Charitable Foundation
• Starbucks Coffee Company and Starbucks Foundation
• Sunoco
• Tyson Foods, Inc.
• U.S. Bank
• Wawa
• Western Union Foundation

How to Help

• Make a Financial Gift to Disaster Relief - Help us help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the recent floods and tornadoes, by making a financial gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
• Donate Blood or Host A Blood Drive – Encourage employees to participate in community blood drives and/or host a blood drive on-site for both staff and customers. As a blood drive sponsor, you can help meet the blood needs of patients in your community and across the United States.
• Implement a Customer Donation Program – Give your customers the opportunity to support Disaster Relief by simply adding a dollar amount to their total purchase.
• Sponsor an Employee Giving and Matching Gift Program – Engage employees by sponsoring a fundraising campaign in support of Disaster Relief and provide an incentive to participate by matching employee donations.
• Conduct a Percentage of Sales Program – Showcase your commitment to the Red Cross and the people we serve while generating sales for your company by donating a percentage of your sales to Disaster Relief.
• Donate Ad Space - Donate a portion of your advertising inventory and help share our stories about the individuals, families and communities affected by disaster.
• Place a Red Cross Banner Ad on Your Website – Place a Red Cross banner ad on your company website to reinforce your support of the Red Cross and encourage donations through our Donate Now webpage.
• Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to Make a Donation – Customers of participating wireless carriers can make a $10 donation to support Disaster Relief by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. Donations will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid account. Message and Data rates may apply. Full terms and privacy policy can be found at redcross.org/m.

Your help allows the American Red Cross to be there for victims of disaster, whenever or wherever help is needed.

American Red Cross: 520 West 49th St New York, NY 10019 l O (212) 875-2130 F (646) 557-5877 C (312) 404-1189 l redcross.org

The need for on the ground assistance is still great and the Red Cross will continue to provide support as long as they are needed.

PHLY and Maguire are each donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling, and other assistance to victims of disasters. Maguire serves on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

Tokio Marine Holdings, the parent company of Philadelphia Insurance, is donating $50,000. PHLY’s sister companies in North America are also pledging support. Tokio Marine Management, Inc., based out of New York, is donating $25,000 and will match employee donations. Delaware-based Delphi Financial Group is donating $50,000 and First Insurance Company of Hawaii is donating $10,000 and will match employee contributions up to $5,000.

Maguire will also donate $10,000 from the Maguire Foundation.

The contributions from PHLY, four Tokio Marine Group companies, and the Maguire Foundation total $195,000.

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, insurance carrier Westfield Insurance is supporting American Red Cross disaster relief efforts with a $20,000 donation to national efforts as well as a $5,000 donation to the Northeast Ohio region.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012
Kemper made charitable donations totaling $25,000 to The Salvation Army and American Red Cross to assist those affected by Superstorm Sandy. Kemper will also match employee donations to these organizations.

W. R. Berkley Corporation its employees, and the Berkley Family contributed in excess of a half a million dollars to the victims of Superstorm/Hurricane Sandy.The donations supported nonprofit organizations in affected areas that have  committed to using these funds only to assist the victims of Sandy.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2012
Munich Re has announced it will donate $200,000 to the American Red Cross in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012
Tower Group Companies, founded in New York City, saw many producers, policyholders and employees affected by Sandy. In providing relief to the most severely affected employees, Tower raised donations internally and supplemented the fund, granting nearly $40k to those employees. Externally, Tower is donating an additional $60k to the following local charities in New York, Long Island and New Jersey: robinhood.org; mccormickfoundation.org; sandynjrelieffund.org.

Liberty Mutual will contribute up to half a million dollars to the American National Red Cross on behalf of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. They will donate $250,000 immediately; additionally, they will offer a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $250,000, on any employee donations toward all Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012
The need is still great in those regions devastated by Superstorm Sandy. On-the-ground responders will continue to provide services as long as necessary.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012
The Nationwide Insurance Foundation announced a $300,000 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to aid the growing number of families in need.

Marsh & McLennan Companies will donate up to $500,000 to assist in relief efforts. Direct contributions of $100,000 each will be made to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, grass-roots recovery efforts in the state of New Jersey and the American Red Cross.

The MetLife Foundation will make a $1 million contribution toward relief and rebuilding efforts, including $500,000 to the American Red Cross and $500,000 to support long-term recovery needs.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012
Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited (Aspen) made a donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2012
Applied Systems, together with it employees, have donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross benefiting Hurricane Sandy victims.

Deloitte contributed $280,000 to the east coast recovery efforts.

Macquarie Capital: In response to the groundswell of goodwill, the Macquarie Group Foundation and senior leadership have established several opportunities for staff to contribute to relief efforts:  The Macquarie Hurricane Relief Fund will benefit the ongoing volunteer efforts coordinated by long-time partner, New York Cares.  All donations made to this fund will be automatically matched by the Macquarie Group Foundation.  They are helping New York Cares with their Annual New York Cares Coat Drive early this year.  Coats collected in the next several weeks will be distributed immediately to New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012
CNA is supporting the Red Cross matching employee gifts to multiple relief organizations up to $5,000 each. CNA is also working with NY Cares on holiday giving geared toward those affected by Sandy.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
Chubb has established a $1,000,000 fund for relief efforts related to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Sandy. Of that amount, the company will contribute $500,000 to the American Red Cross for disaster relief. In addition, it will match on a two-for-one basis, up to $500,000, contributions made by employees worldwide to any disaster relief organization that is a qualified U.S. 501 (c)

Aon contributes an annual grant of $500,000 to the American Red Cross, which helps ensure resources for major disasters like Sandy are available to the communities who need them. Aon offers a matching gift program for full-time Aon colleagues.

Wells Fargo will donate $1 million for relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. A portion of the funds, $250,000, will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts the agency is directing throughout impacted areas in the region. The remaining $750,000 will go to support nonprofits conducting grassroots relief and recovery efforts in affected areas.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012
The Travelers Companies, Inc. today announced that the company will donate $800,000 to disaster relief efforts in the New York tri-state area in the aftermath of Storm Sandy.

Travelers will contribute $200,000 to each of the following organizations: the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, American Red Cross on Long Island, Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and the American Red Cross of Connecticut.

“In keeping with Travelers’ tradition of supporting communities in times of need, we will make contributions to provide emergency services for victims of the storm,” said Jay Fishman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers. “Our hearts go out to the millions of Americans impacted by this weather event, and we will continue to do our part to help people get through this difficult time.”

The ACE Charitable Foundation has made a donation of $250,000 to the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy that impacted the East Coast of the United States. In addition, the Foundation has organized a campaign for donations from ACE’s U.S. employees that it will match 100 percent.

The QBE Foundation announced it will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Nationwide sent humanitarian relief teams to New York and Pennsylvania last week to provide aid to Sandy victims. The teams provided much needed water, antibacterial wipes, personal hygiene items and other goods.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2012
Swiss Re is donating USD $200,000 towards relief efforts by the American Red Cross in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and staff philanthropy committees in its more than 20 locations throughout the US are also organizing relief collections. A major supporter of the International Red Cross, Swiss Re’s Americas headquarters are in Armonk, in New York’s Westchester County and has sizable operations in New York City.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012
The Hartford announced a $250,000 contribution to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in support of those affected by Storm Sandy.“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by Storm Sandy, and the many who continue to be in harm’s way,” said Liam E. McGee, The Hartford’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “On behalf of my teammates at The Hartford, we thank the emergency personnel and volunteers who are engaged in the public service of responding to this storm and hope for a quick recovery.””Hurricane Sandy’s path of destruction stretches hundreds of miles and has impacted millions of people, and this will be one of the biggest Red Cross relief operations in the past five years,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the Red Cross. “We are so grateful for the generosity of The Hartford in support of our work.
Courtesy of the Claim Journal: www.claimsjournal.com

State Farm provides an annual donation of $1 million to the American Red Cross to be used for disasters within the calendar year. The company has also committed up to $250,000 in additional aid to non-profit organizations in the impacted regions due to Sandy.
Courtesy of the Claim Journal: www.claimsjournal.com

Fireman’s Fund is matching employee donations to the American Red Cross up to $10,000. In addition, they are encouraging their offices to hold blood drives to help address the national blood supply shortfall created by Sandy. They will be talking with local fire departments in the coming weeks to determine what needs they may have in the aftermath of the storm.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced it will donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Sandy.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012
Farmers Insurance is encouraging employees to donate blood to make up for the 3,200 shortfall, due to cancelled blood drives in the region. Farmers will also match employee an agent donations to the American Red Cross up to $10,000.

Zurich, NA  is making a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross for disaster relief related to Sandy. Zurich employees can make an immediate one-time donation via payroll deduction to the American Red Cross or Canadian Red Cross and Zurich will match the donations from $1 up to $500. Zurich is also encouraging employees to volunteer where possible.

DEPLOYMENT UPDATE: On Monday morning, NY Task Force 2 joined crews from Suffolk County Urban Search and Rescue making water rescues in three towns in Suffolk County. Using boats and jet skis to reach stranded households, the Task Force helped bring 70 people and 13 animals to safety.

The Task Force is now in Nassau County where there have been multiple reports of missing persons. They plan to begin conducting building searches and structural evaluations at daybreak on Wednesday in Lynbrook.

Kura, Lani and Marsi are with their handlers, but haven’t been needed yet. We’re anticipating that the dogs will be part of the building searches on Wednesday. Ten other SDF Search Teams (based in Los Angeles and Florida) are also on alert, prepared to deploy if they are called out by their Task Forces.

]]> https://disaster.iicf.org/2012/11/national-search-dog-rescue-foundation-responds-to-hurricane-sandy/feed/ 0 https://disaster.iicf.org/2012/10/2012-hurricane-watch-2/ https://disaster.iicf.org/2012/10/2012-hurricane-watch-2/#comments Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:37:09 +0000 renolds http://disaster.iicf.org/?p=273 Ctr. for Disaster Philanthropy–Nov. 1, 2012, 9 a.m.

Supplies are beginning to run short in the areas hit hardest by Sandy. Gas stations are out of gas—or out of commission. Those who sheltered in place are running out of food. Power still hasn’t been restored. And as authorities can get into some of the worst flooded areas, the known death toll is increasing, now standing above 70.

The environmental damage is mounting as well, with oil and fuel spills pushing their way toward the ocean. Sewage continues to be an issue in many communities, with raw waste flooding streets or gushing into waterways.

Meanwhile, more discussions are beginning to take place about the country’s expanding hurricane zone. Long a challenge to the Southern United States, warmer water temperatures and melting Arctic ice are combining to push the Northeast into the hurricane zone.

CBS/AP/ October 29, 2012, 12:42 PM

NEW YORK A super storm threatening 50 million people in the most heavily populated corridor in the nation gained strength Monday, packing winds of 90 mph and picking up considerable speed just hours before it is expected to make landfall, forecasters said.

The National Hurricane Center said Monday afternoon that Hurricane Sandy is moving northwest at 28 mph – up from 18 mph a few hours earlier. At 4:00 p.m. ET the Category 1 hurricane was about 55 miles east-southeast of Cape May, N.J. The storm’s top sustained winds are holding at about 90 mph with higher gusts.

Gale/tropical storm-force force winds were reported from North Carolina to southern New England.

Hours before the storm made landfall, high winds had already knocked out power to more than half a million customers in several states by mid-day Monday.

Sandy is expected to hook inland Monday, colliding with a wintry storm moving in from the west and cold air streaming down from the Arctic. Forecasters say the storm’s center will make landfall along or just south of the Southern New Jersey coast Monday evening.

Sandy is likely going to strengthen even more as it approaches the East Coast, Bernard reports, with hurricane-force winds reaching land by Monday.

Wells Fargo: Contributing $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support hurricane disaster relief and recovery efforts in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Western States Wildfires:
Wells Fargo: Contributing $100,000 to support the relief efforts of American Red Cross

Hurricane Katrina:
Recycled Rides Celebrates the Resilience of New Orleans and Its People with Six Local Vehicle Giftings
Shops assisted after Katrina now pay it forward to others in need.

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) has distinctive ties with collision repairers in New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast region. Just a little over seven years ago, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the National Auto Body Council solicited and helped deliver assistance to local area shops in need of basic necessities such as household goods, clothing and even technician tools.

The National Auto Body Council facilitated—through its Recycled Rides program—the gifting of six vehicles to six local families earlier this month.

Recycled Rides is a national initiative through which National Auto Body Council members refurbish donated vehicles and gift them to families in need and service organizations dedicated to assisting others. The program is an intra-industry effort, so in addition to body shops donating their labor, insurers, paint suppliers, parts vendors and rental car companies are recruited to contribute in their own synergistic ways.

Insurance companies contributing vehicles to be worked on include Allstate, Esurance, GEICO, Progressive and State Farm.

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The Community Safety Foundation, a private nonprofit organization funded by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange, a major provider of AAA-branded insurance, made a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross.

The donation, made  in honor of September National Preparedness Month, will be used by the Red Cross to fund disaster training and preparedness efforts throughout the United States. This new donation is in addition to a previous $1 million donation in June by the Community Safety Foundation.

“This generous donation will help the Red Cross keep thousands of people in communities safer by providing free disaster preparedness in all the regions where the insurance company has employees,” said Jerry DeFrancisco, president of Humanitarian Services at the Red Cross. “The $2 million in donations in just three months shows the importance that the Community Safety Foundation is placing on disaster preparedness.”

The Community Safety Foundation, which was launched in June, 2012, is dedicated to improving the safety and security of the communities served by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange by making strategic philanthropic grants to improve community safety and disaster preparedness and provide consumer and insurance education.

As part of its commitment to community and employee safety, during the month of September, AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange provided basic CPR and preparedness training to all of the company’s 3,400 employees nationwide. The employee training was made possible through a separate Red Cross donation made directly by the insurance company.

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Take 1 Insurance, the entertainment industry insurance division of U.S. Risk, Inc., in partnership with Fireman’s Fund, has presented a $15,000 donation to The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) for the purchase of new handheld firefighter radios.

The MRCA is dedicated to preserving the region’s open space for the public and posterity, and fighting wildfires is frequently a big part of that job. MRCA firefighters work to protect more than 150,000 acres of mountainous terrain, deep canyons, forest and grassland that are part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

“Budget constraints make it difficult for many agencies to purchase all of the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely,” said Scott Carroll, program director at Take1 Insurance. “We’re proud to help in such a tangible way knowing so many communities will benefit from this donation. We also want to thank our clients, without whom this large donation would not be possible. Take1 is here to help, whether it be helping our clients protect their businesses or helping communities prevent and manage natural disasters.”

“Communications on the scene of a fire is key to effective firefighting and keeping firefighters safe,” said fire management officer, David Updike. “With this equipment, we will be better able to protect this unique, valuable asset to the community.”

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,800 different organizations totaling more than $29 million – including more than $8.5 million in California. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Take 1 Insurance, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

Courtesy of the Insurance Claims Journal: www.claimsjournal.com