GM announces $100,000 contribution to Haiti relief efforts

DETROIT (Jan. 13, 2010) - The General Motors Foundation approved an immediate $100,000 contribution on Wednesday that will go toward the American Red Cross relief fund to help earthquake-stricken Haiti. GM, Hendrick Motorsports manufacturer, also has provided a direct web-link that employees can conveniently access from their desktop work stations to contribute personally to the Red Cross disaster fund. "As one of the world's largest car companies, doing our part to contribute aid to Haiti is not about business but our obligation to our fellow man," said Ed Whitacre, GM chairman and CEO. "There is remarkable compassion among GM employees, and I know that same spirit will make a difference in helping the Haiti relief effort." Since its inception in 2000, GM Global Aid has facilitated more than $15 million in donations for disaster relief worldwide. Through this program, GM and its national and international business units and the GM Foundation can quickly direct vehicles, services, or supplies, as well as monetary contributions, to charitable organizations assisting in local disaster relief efforts. An essential component of GM's disaster relief efforts is that which allows GM employees and others worldwide to contribute funds to disaster relief efforts. Donations from the GM Global Aid fund come from the GM Foundation, which was created in Nov. 4, 1976. As such, none of the funds being donated are from TARP money.