Bush and Corporate CEOs Launch South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund

The creation of the South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund, announced today by President George W. Bush, will provide critically needed funds and supplies to thousands of people recovering from the devastating South Asia Earthquake of October 8, 2005. With the support of the President, five private sector leaders will lead the nationwide effort to raise awareness and resources to help those in need as a result of this disaster.

The five executives directing the South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund (SAERF) include: Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO, General Electric; Hank McKinnell Jr., Ph.D., Chairman and CEO, Pfizer; Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and CEO, Xerox; Jim Kelly, former Chairman and CEO, UPS; and Sanford Weill, Chairman, Citigroup. The fund, administered by the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy, an international nonprofit forum of over 100 CEOs and Chairpersons dedicated to advocating and practicing corporate philanthropy, can be accessed at www.southasiaearthquakerelief.org.

"The devastation in South Asia is so great that it compels us to do whatever we can to alleviate the suffering," said Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and CEO, Xerox. "Xerox has already earmarked $1 million in cash contributions toward the relief effort. Once we have had the opportunity to assess the situation first hand, we will engage our people in helping and provide in-kind support as well. This is a tragedy of unspeakable proportions that will require the investment of tremendous resources over a long period of time. The immediate need is urgent. We are in a race against winter and we call upon all to act quickly and generously."
<snip>
The Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) is the only international forum of business CEOs and Chairpersons pursuing a mission exclusively focused on corporate philanthropy. CECP's mission is to lead the business community in raising the level and quality of corporate philanthropy. Engaging with the public, private, and independent sectors, CECP members seek and create opportunities to serve as corporate giving advocates, practitioners, educators, and spokespersons to advance the case for philanthropy and to inspire other business leaders to make a lasting commitment to community giving. www.CorporatePhilanthropy.org