In response to the overwhelming devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan), Citi launched a series of initiatives around the world to support the ongoing round the clock relief efforts.
On November 11, Asia Pacific CEO Stephen Bird appealed to employees around the region to assist Citi Philippines’ fund raising campaign for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross.
“Our thoughts are with the people of the Philippines and our focus is on supporting those who have lost families and homes,” said Stephen Bird. “Citi has operated in the Philippines since 1902 and we have a long history of supporting local communities.”
He also announced a $250,000 disaster relief grant from the Citi Foundation to the American Red Cross Pacific Typhoon Fund, aiding relief and recovery efforts in the affected communities.
Citi’s ASEAN Equities business responded to the appeal by committing to donate all commissions from equity sales and trading operations in ASEAN on November 13 to the Philippine Red Cross, raising a total of USD 500,000 to support the Philippine Red Cross’s longer term rebuilding of affected communities.
“The pledges of support from Citi employees around the world have been simply overwhelming,” said Batara Sianturi, Citi Country Officer for the Philippines. “Colleagues who have worked in the Philippines or have relatives and friends here are deeply concerned and want to help in any way they can. We have mobilized the collection of relief goods, coordinated volunteer efforts, and continue to campaign for contributions to aid the ongoing rescue work.”
“I am honored to see the response from both our company and our people with their donations and volunteerism in the relief efforts and our clients to the ASEAN trading day,” said Stephen Bird.
Other initiatives include:
* In the U.S., Citi has activated American Red Cross fundraising microsites to facilitate donations from U.S. employees and clients. Citi’s ThankYou Rewards customers can also redeem their points toward a donation to the American Red Cross at www.thankyou.com.
* Citi Canada employees are donating to UNICEF; and the donations will be tripled in impact thanks to a match by the Government of Canada and UNICEF corporate supporters.
* Citi Philippines is inviting cardholders to donate to relief operations using their Rewards Points, with the Philippine Red Cross as beneficiary (1,000 Rewards Points is equivalent to P100 donation).
* Citi Philippines cardholders can also donate via Citi Mobile and send donations through SMS for the benefit of ABS CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya Foundation. To donate, simply text CITIGIVE<space>KAPAMILYA<space><AMOUNT><space><MPIN> to 2201.
* Citi Philippines also announced it is extending anew a debt payment relief to its clients from the affected regions. Citi credit cardholders can request for a 60-day payment extension and late payment charges will also be waived. Special concessions can also be arranged on a case to case basis. Clients may call the 24-hour CitiPhone at 632-995-9999 to avail and for more details.
“In the comimg days, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to our clients and to the greater community,” said Sianturi.
If you wish to donate to Citi’s Typhoon Yolanda Relief Fund, please see account details below:
Account Name: TYPHOON YOLANDA/HAIYAN RELIEF FUND
US Dollar Account No: 1600125377 Peso Account No: 1400172923 Swift Code: CITIPHMX
Routing Number: 021-0000-89 (CITINY)
Address: Citibank, N.A. 8741 Paseo De Roxas Ave. Makati City, Philippines