DEERFIELD, Ill., May 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc.
(NYSE: CAT) and the Caterpillar Foundation, the company's
philanthropic arm, announced today a series of targeted relief
efforts to support countries struggling with a significant rise of
COVID-19 cases.
As part of the Caterpillar Foundation's ongoing response to
COVID-19 and commitment to building stronger, more resilient
communities, it is collaborating with partners and relief
organizations to provide essential medical supplies and improve
equitable access to vaccines.
"Supporting communities in need around the world aligns with the
Caterpillar Foundation's strategy and our company's values," said
Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim
Umpleby. "Through partnering with relief organizations, the
generosity of our employees and the Foundation's platform, we are
helping fight the spread of COVID-19 and give front-line workers
resources to act quickly and save lives."
Currently, India is
experiencing the world's worst outbreak; the unprecedented surge of
COVID-19 cases has resulted in an overwhelmed healthcare system and
shortage of oxygen throughout the country.
The Caterpillar Foundation is giving $1
million to help India's
health system deliver care to families and communities by funding
medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators and oxygen plant
optimization, as well as critical medical supplies, across
identified hot spot locations. In addition to the Foundation's
efforts, Caterpillar India is providing an initial contribution of
$1.4 million, enabling an additional
supply of oxygen, donating beds with ventilator support to
hospitals, supporting vaccination drives and setting up temporary
relief shelters. Independent Cat® dealers are also contributing
oxygen solutions to address the shortage.
Additionally, in Brazil, the
Foundation is donating $250,000 to
help coordinate with local partners to deliver essential medical
and basic service supplies to hospitals and communities to help
combat the rising new cases and more than 400,000 deaths.
The Caterpillar Foundation, through its partnership with the UN
Foundation and the WHO Foundation, is supporting the COVAX
initiative to promote equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations
with a $500,000 gift. This
partnership will help increase access to vaccines across the globe,
including in India. Additionally, to continue the emergency
relief work and address vaccine hesitancy – particularly among
rural, Black and Hispanic communities in the United States – the Foundation is
investing $250,000 to support the Ad
Council and COVID Collaborative's COVID-19 Vaccine Education
Initiative, "It's Up To You." Representing one of the largest
public education efforts in U.S. history, the effort is designed to
reach multiple distinct audiences throughout the country, answering
top questions and empowering Americans with the information they
need to make informed decisions for themselves and their families
about the COVID-19 vaccines.
In 2020, the Caterpillar Foundation also donated $10 million to support response efforts and help
organizations that have been directly impacted by COVID-19.
About Caterpillar
With 2020 sales and revenues of $41.7
billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading
manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and
natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric
locomotives. Since 1925, we've been driving sustainable progress
and helping customers build a better world through innovative
products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer
services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product
expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer
network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed.
We do business on every continent, principally operating through
three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource
Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing
financing and related services through our Financial Products
segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on
our social media channels at caterpillar.com/social-media.
About Caterpillar Foundation
Founded in 1952, Caterpillar's philanthropic organization, the
Caterpillar Foundation, has contributed nearly $810 million to help make sustainable progress
possible around the world by building resilient communities that
thrive in a rapidly changing world. To learn more about the global
impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, visit
caterpillar.com/foundation. To connect with us on social media,
visit caterpillar.com/social-media.
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SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.