Apple is donating $2.5 million to the Red Cross for relief efforts associated with Hurricane Sandy, which struck the east coast of the United States in late October, according to an internal Apple email obtained by 9to5Mac Friday. The email, sent by Apple CEO Tim Cook to employees on Thursday, states that despite millions of dollars in donations from individual employees and customers, the company as a whole “can always do more.”
Team:
For the past week, our thoughts have been with those affected by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. And Apple employees and customers the world over have raised millions of dollars toward the relief effort so far. But we can always do more.
That’s why, on behalf of all our employees, Apple is making a donation of $2.5 million to the American Red Cross to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief. We hope this contribution will help families, business, and communities recover and rebuild.
Tim Cook
November 8, 2012
Hurricane Sandy, one of the most powerful Atlantic Hurricanes on record, caused devastation along the east coast from Virginia to Maine, and resulted in dangerous conditions and power outages as far inland as Ohio. The majority of the devastation occurred in New Jersey and New York, where dozens lost their lives and billions of dollars in damage occurred. Many in the affected area are still without power.
Apple was one of many companies that quickly drew attention to the situation and offered customers and employees convenient ways to donate to the relief and recovery efforts. Apple added a Red Cross donation button to its website’s front page, and enabled customers to donate directly to the organization via the iTunes store.
While much has been made politically of the storm and its aftermath, both positively and negatively, it is encouraging to see companies like Apple and their customers continue to draw attention to the still dire situation in many areas of the northeast.
As mentioned above, individuals can donate to relief efforts via iTunes or by visiting the American Red Cross website.