China earthquake triggers Starbucks aid.
Sometimes tragic events demonstrate just how interconnected we are in our shared world. When a severe earthquake rattled China’s Sichuan province in May 2008, Starbucks partners (employees) and customers joined the global relief effort, rallying to bring much-needed financial, volunteer and in-kind support to the devastated communities.
In partnership with the American Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (supporting the Red Cross Society of China), The Starbucks Foundation provided $250,000 for immediate humanitarian and long-term recovery efforts.
In addition to The Starbucks Foundation’s support, Starbucks Coffee Greater China contributed $100,000 for immediate disaster relief and long-term recovery through company donations, materials and fund raising by partners and customers.
Starbucks partners in Chengdu, close to the disaster area, volunteered with the local Red Cross, delivering food and cleaning devastated public and residential areas. Many partners made visits to the Chengdu Children’s Hospital, bringing donated books and food.
Efforts to help took place in many Starbucks stores across Greater China. Collection bins for donations were set up in stores, and opportunities were created for customers and partners to give to a variety of organizations. Through the dedicated work of our partners across Greater China and beyond, we were able to donate thousands of jackets, tents, blankets and other items requested by the Red Cross Society of China.
The International Coffee Partnership, a joint venture between Starbucks and PepsiCo, also committed $25,000 for immediate disaster response.
Starbucks Coffee Greater China is working on programs to continue our support of rebuilding efforts through Starbucks China Education Fund.
