Amgen has donated $1 million to relief efforts.  A press release is available here, on our external website.

CVS/Caremark-$100k Donation to the American Red Cross from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust…release went over the wire around 11am.

Then an additional $100K in Match for donations from our employees (so if they pledge up to $100K in individual donations via a secure portal that the Red Cross is setting up for us, we’ll match up to $100K).

The Collette Foundation, our global foundation will be matching partners and employees donations up to $10,000 to the Save the Children Diaster Relief Fund.

United Way's Response to the Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Japan

The hearts and minds of the United Way movement around the world are with the people of Japan. With communications disrupted by the disaster, we have been successful in connecting with Central Community Chest of Japan – our United Way in Japan. They are safe, but they have not been able to contact all of the local Community Chests in disaster-stricken areas. Central Community Chest of Japan is convening local Community Chests to create one central fund and are collaborating closely with government, local businesses and other NGOs to coordinate response on the ground.

As soon as we have specific information about the central fund, we will immediately provide this information to the United Way network, and it will immediately go up on our national website for individuals to give directly to the Central Community Chest of Japan. We are not activating the United Way Worldwide disaster fund but will direct interested donors to the Central Community Chest of Japan fund. The Community Chest of Korea has already committed $500,000, and at this time, United Way of Taiwan has pledges of $300,000.

Information about giving opportunities through United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving (IDAG) program (http://worldwide.unitedway.org/IDAG):

• If you have individuals or corporate donors interested in giving $5,000 or greater to support disaster assistance through the Central Community Chest of Japan, please contact Kendra Davis, Director, International Donor Advised Giving, by email at kendra.davis@unitedway.org or by phone at +1.703.836.7112 x114. The IDAG program provides full monitoring, oversight and reporting on international gifts. Donors receive customized attention and recognition for their gifts from IDAG staff. The minimum donation is $5,000, and IDAG charges a small amount for administrative costs. Gifts greater than $10,000 to the Central Community Chest of Japan will be charged a 5% due diligence and processing fee.

• If your United Way would like to support Japan, you may collect donations to equal $5,000 or greater from now until April 15 and send one check payable to United Way Worldwide for the purpose of Japan disaster assistance. Your United Way’s gift will be processed through IDAG. Your United Way will be responsible for providing tax receipts to your donors. United Way Worldwide will grant the funds to the Central Community Chest of Japan. Again, IDAG will charge a small amount for administrative costs.
  Other information about helping now:As there are hidden costs and complications associated with contributions of goods or services, United Way Worldwide does not accept product donations.
• Those trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan are directed to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizen Services toll free from within the U.S. at +1.888.407.4747, from outside the U.S. at +1.202.647.5225 or on their website – http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html

• Resource article from the Huffington Post: Japan and Beyond: Advice for Donating After Disasters

We’ll keep you posted as more information is available, and we will provide the direct link to the Central Community Chest of Japan fund as soon as it is available. If you have questions, contact Kevin Kiger, Director of Strategic Communications, United Way Worldwide, by email at kevin.kiger@unitedway.org or by phone at +1.703.836.7112 x421.