Boeing, who is celebrating their 60th year in Alabama, announced a $2 million emergency assistance package to support humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine.
According to a release from the company, the assistance will be directed to organizations working to bring food, water, clothing, medicine and shelter to displaced Ukrainians – including those seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
In addition, Boeing will match all qualifying employee contributions made in support of Ukrainian humanitarian relief through the company’s charitable matching program.
“The conflict unfolding in Ukraine is leading to a significant humanitarian emergency, and Boeing will take action to support the Ukrainian people,” said Dave Calhoun, Boeing president and CEO. “Our thoughts are with all those who have been thrust into the midst of this crisis. While we work to ensure the safety of Boeing employees in the region, our hope is that this assistance package will help deliver some much-needed support to those who are displaced and suffering.”
With just over 3,000 employees in Alabama, Boeing is the largest aerospace company in the state. The company has two key facilities in Huntsville that support various commercial, defense and space programs.
Humanitarian relief efforts align with the company’s ongoing commitment to the communities where employees live and work. In Alabama, the company has contributed significantly to community and workforce development, including $8.1 million in business contributions and charitable grants from 2016 to 2020.
Boeing is active and engaged in Europe, contributing a combined $11 million in charitable contributions across the continent over the last five years. In 2021, they donated $13 million to disaster relief and humanitarian efforts globally.
Funding from the Boeing Charitable Trust will support the following organizations:
- $1,000,000 to CARE to assist with food, water and hygiene kit distribution as well as monetary assistance and psychosocial support for affected Ukrainians, with a focus on women, children and the elderly.
- $500,000 to American Red Cross to support the global Red Cross movement providing critical humanitarian relief to people affected by the Ukraine crisis.
- $250,000 to Americares to help with the distribution of medicine and medical supplies as well as support critical medical care for families displaced by the crisis, including mental health services.
- $250,000 to organizations working to support vulnerable, displaced populations in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
“The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is worsening by the hour. In the last week, more than 500,000 people have fled Ukraine for neighboring countries. This number is expected to rise to more than one million in the next few days,” said Michelle Nunn, president and CEO at CARE USA. “The support from Boeing is so timely and impactful. It will help us provide durable food, hygiene items, diapers, sleeping bags, mats, and other critical necessities to alleviate suffering.”
“Thanks to Boeing’s generous support, the global Red Cross network is helping families impacted by continued fighting in Ukraine,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are grateful for partners like Boeing as we work together to provide critical humanitarian relief in response to the Ukraine crisis.”
“We are so grateful for Boeing’s incredible support as we work to protect the health of families fleeing from the devastating crisis in Ukraine,” said Kate Dischino, vice president of emergency programs at Americares. “This donation will directly support Americares response efforts and help our emergency response team on the ground restore access to care for those who need it most.”
The health and well-being of Boeing employees and their families around the world remain a top priority for the company. Boeing and partner teams are checking on affected employees while continuing to coordinate with government agencies, customers and suppliers to assess human and business impacts in the region.
Boeing partnered with the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business to conduct a full-scale economic impact study across the state. The findings show in 2019, Boeing’s economic output was nearly $3 billion dollars with $727.4 million in earnings that directly and indirectly supported 9,732 jobs in the state. Earnings generated a combined $68.9 million in taxes, of which $30.4 million was local.
