Affected by a Natural Disaster? These 4 Companies Have Stepped Up When Needed

Catastrophic natural disasters that result in widespread damage seem to be increasing in both frequency and severity across the United States and the world. These include wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, floods, and earthquakes, and the cost of cleanup and rebuilding has increased drastically as well. Luckily, charitable giving by corporations has been on the rise in the last two decades, which greatly contributes to the communities affected the most.

Whether it’s donations of cash, supplies, volunteers, or services, some companies have stepped up and prioritized giving more than might be expected. Thanks to their quick response and generosity, they have provided hope and comfort to millions of people in their times of need.

It doesn’t take a mega-corporation to make a difference for those affected by a natural disaster. Generous mid-size companies are doing what they can to improve conditions too.

The Melaleuca Foundation

When Frank VanderSloot founded Melaleuca: The Wellness Company in 1985, he declared the company’s mission was “to enhance the lives of those we touch by helping people reach their goals.” In 2001, the Melaleuca Foundation was created to help the families of victims of the September 11th attacks. Since then, the foundation has raised millions of dollars, donated millions of Melaleuca products, collected thousands of tons of food, and provided supplies and additional aid to families in need across the globe.

The Melaleuca Foundation has donated funds to provide disaster relief in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Ukraine, the Philippines, Australia, Nepal, Japan, and other countries.

They have also:

  • Sent truckloads, planeloads, and cargo ships full of supplies and Melaleuca products to help families following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Harvey, Irma, Maria, and, most recently, Ian.
  • Delivered aid to wildfire victims in California, Colorado, Idaho, and Tennessee.
  • Rebuilt lives after tornadoes hit the Midwest.
  • Provided support to families ravaged by floodwaters in Michigan, Louisiana and Alberta, Canada.

While Melaleuca responds to many natural disasters across the country, they have also donated millions of dollars to support nonprofits like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Caritas, and more. They are also the sole financial sponsor for an orphanage in Ecuador.

The Clorox Company

This should come as no surprise, but the company responsible for so much cleanliness is also an ally to those in need. The Clorox Company was founded in 1913 and has been called on to help with health crises and natural disasters beginning with World War II. In those days, bleach was used to disinfect wounds, neutralize enemy gasses and purify water, making them a preferred partner of the government.

Clorox has been partnering with the American Red Cross for over 40 years in order to best serve communities in need. They are an Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) member with the organization, having donated more than $16 million in financial support, countless in-kind donations, grants, and employee support. Clorox was named the 2020 Red Cross Gala Philanthropic Company of the Year. 

VF Corporation

The VF Corporation is a global apparel and footwear company with 12 unique brands, including Vans, The North Face, Timberland, and Dickies. With guiding principles of integrity, courage, curiosity, empathy, and perseverance, VF Corporation and their VF Foundation seek to make a “positive impact on millions of people and the communities and environments we all share.”

The four priorities of the VF Foundation are considered to be: 1) Outside Matters: increasing equitable outdoor access and conservation; 2) Worthy Work: educating and inspiring inclusive leaders in apparel and footwear; 3) Free to Be: empowering the freedom of self-expression and creativity; and 4) Disaster Relief and Recovery.

VF Corporation and The VF Foundation provide support for disaster and humanitarian relief and recovery efforts around the world. This includes monetary grants and product donations to organizations leading relief efforts, as well as employee donation matching and volunteer efforts. 

From 2020 to 2021, The VF Foundation, along with VF Corporation, its associates, and its family of brands, donated more than $10.3 million to relief and recovery efforts in communities around the world. The Foundation alone provided nearly $2 million in relief aid to partners. 

Agriland

Agronomy and energy company Agriland, headquartered in the Midwest, contributes to disaster response efforts regularly. While they may not have the global or national reach that some companies do, Agriland mobilizes their partners to create action in times of need. Thanks to its broad footprint, Agriland has been able to coordinate with volunteers and equipment suppliers across the United States. Most recently, their Hurricane Ian response included energy and generator support, including 14 employees and a fleet of tanks, tank wagons, fuel equipment, fuel delivery, pickup trucks, and generators. 

The equipment sent by Agriland fills generators running hotels housing first responders, senior care facilities, and hospitals, as well as local emergency medical services camps.

If charitable giving and disaster relief efforts are important to you when choosing a company to do business with, consider these four companies as part of the Gold Standard of giving back. While it’s fair to admit that these companies may have benefitted from the press associated with their generosity, the real winners are the communities that rebounded from devastation and the families who reclaimed their lives.

If charitable giving and disaster relief efforts are important to you when choosing a company to do business with, consider these four companies as part of the Gold Standard of giving back. While it’s fair to admit that these companies may have benefitted from the press associated with their generosity, the real winners are the communities that rebounded from devastation and the families who reclaimed their lives.