Monsanto Company (No. 39 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies list) recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross of Central California to assist with relief efforts following damage from historic wildfires.
Last December, the Thomas Wildfire was one of many that burned through central and southern California. This particular fire impacted communities near Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, scorched more than 270,000 acres of land, destroyed and damaged more than 1,000 structures, and forced the evacuation of approximately 100,000 residents. In the weeks following, heavy rains produced debris-filled mudslides that swept away homes and killed at least 20 people.
A portion of Monsanto’s vegetable seed business as well as a key operating facility is in the community of Oxnard, Cal. The site was not damaged, however a number of employees and their families were forced to evacuate for a short time.
“We are grateful that the impact of the Thomas Wildfire on our employees and customers was minimal, however we know that many others in this close-knit community will need assistance in the months to come,” said Al Mitchell, President of the Monsanto Fund and Vice President for Community Affairs for Monsanto Company. “We hope this donation will help with critical relief and recovery efforts.”
In 2017, the Monsanto Company monetarily supported disaster relief efforts for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria; the Western Wildfires in Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas; and the Mexico City earthquake. Additionally, Monsanto employees around the world logged thousands of volunteer hours associated with various relief efforts.
