Siemens and Honeywell provide relief to tsunami disaster victims

everal major companies in the industry have launched extensive aid programs to the victimes of the catastrophic tsunamis in Asia. Included are Siemens and Honeywell, both of which conducted emplloyee donation drives throughout the world. Siemens is focusing on providing local disaster relief. The company is using its local presence in the affected countries to quickly deliver targeted aid.

"This way, help is reaching the places where it is needed the most," said Siemens CEO Heinrich v. Pierer. Siemens' companies in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia have begun directing financial and technical assistance to the devastated regions.

Honeywell also has announced that it will donate $1 million to assist with relief efforts for areas damaged by the recent tsunamis in Asia. The donation, made through the company's Honeywell Hometown Solutions initiative, will target programs to rebuild damaged and destroyed communities and provide basic necessities for people who have been most severely affected by the disaster.

The donations of Siemens employees, which are being matched by the company, will be used to alleviate the worst suffering. Siemens experts throughout the region are providing the technical support needed to help restore vital infrastructure such as electricity, telecommunications and water supplies. In addition, the company is making available medical equipment like x-ray and ultrasound systems to the local hospitals.

At the moment, the aid measures being provided by the company total over $1 million Euros and will be increased as needed, the company reports. Siemens will also send its electrical products, systems, and service experts from around the globe to help in the relief project.

"A tragedy of this scale requires corporate leadership on a global basis," said Dave Cote, Honeywell Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Honeywell will work with local organizations to leverage our expertise in housing and shelter to help rebuild communities in South Asia. Many of our employees have already undertaken projects to support this rebuilding effort and we are helping to facilitate voluntary payroll deductions."

A Honeywell team of employee volunteers from Bangalore, India is supporting a 90-day construction effort to rebuild 50 houses in one of the most severely affected villages. Separately, each of Honeywell's 1,500 employees in Pune, India has agreed to donate one day's salary to relief efforts. Teams of employees have also delivered clothes, utensils and other basic amenities to the affected village of Kulachol, India.

"With the commitment of our employees globally and the company's financial contribution, Honeywell will play a part in delivering timely assistance to help the victims rebuild and begin the long recovery from this unprecedented disaster," Cote concluded.