Relief efforts in earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged regions of Japan will be assisted by a $1 million donation from the John Deere Foundation, the Moline, Illinois-based company said.
As the philanthropic arm of the world's largest farming and machinery equipment manufacturer, the John Deere Foundation will earmark the contribution to the American Red Cross, of which the Foundation is an ardent supporter. Further, the Foundation will match up to as much as $500,000 that Deere employees donate to the cause after the March 11 natural disasters.
"The tragic events in Japan have profoundly affected people around the world," according to Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer of Deere.
The American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund and the International Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund already receive $250,000 annually from the Foundation, which typically supports causes that confront world hugner, the betterment of communities, higher education and disaster relief. Last year's gifts to those types of causes totaled more than $12 million.
"We are deeply saddened when a disaster of this magnitude causes so much destruction and loss of life," according to the chief executive. "The support of the John Deere Foundation will assist the Red Cross as it helps the Japanese people during this difficult recovery."
Japanese relief cause to get as much as $1.5 million from Deere
Deere announced it will grant as much as $1.5 million to Japan's effort to bounce back from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.