St. Louis, Missouri
June 18, 2008
St. Louis-based company donates
a total of $1.5 million to the American Red Cross in support of
Midwest flood-relief efforts
Monsanto Company (NYSE:
MON) announced today that it is donating $1 million to the
American Red Cross to assist in flood relief efforts in Iowa.
Monsanto's support of the Red Cross comes at a time the agency
is facing what has been called "a rolling disaster." It is
estimated that recent floods have already affected tens of
thousands of people and flooded three million acres in Iowa
alone.
"The tragedy is severe, and the need is tremendous," said Hugh
Grant, Monsanto chairman, president and chief executive officer.
"Our farmer customers and their families have already
experienced flooded homes, flooded fields and terrible
hardships, and we must help."
In addition to its $1 million donation for the state of Iowa,
the company announced that it has also designated $500,000 for
flood-relief efforts in other Midwest states. The company said
that donation is expected to be used by the Red Cross as it
deems necessary to support the thousands of people affected by
this devastating natural disaster.
Monsanto separately announced two employee-related initiatives
aimed at offering further monetary and man-power to support the
flood relief efforts.
First, the company announced that all donations made by its U.S.
employees to the Red Cross and its flood-relief efforts are
eligible for the company's matching gift program.
Second, Monsanto announced that its Iowa-based employees will be
offered the opportunity to commit one eight-hour day with pay to
volunteer in support of local flood relief efforts including
sand-bagging or other clean-up projects as water-levels lower.
Monsanto employs 1,180 people at 20 facilities across the state
of Iowa. The company's largest facility is at Muscatine, Iowa,
which employs 500 people. The employee volunteer program is
expected to generate more than 9,400 hours of man-power
assistance in support of the regional flood-relief efforts.
"This is a tragic disaster that has impacted tens of thousands
of people and their families, from our customers to our
colleagues to our neighbors," said Grant. "We're proud to
support the Red Cross in these relief efforts and encourage
others to commit to this effort."
As of June 15, the Red Cross had opened 74 shelters for flood
victims, providing housing for more than 7,500 people. More than
270,000 meals and snacks have been served. For more information
about the ongoing relief program, visit the Red Cross web site
at
http://www.redcrosschat.org/.
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of
technology-based solutions and agricultural products that
improve farm productivity and food quality. |
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