RTI International donates $71,000 to Red Cross for Nepal Earthquake Relief efforts

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - RTI International and its staff members donated $71,250 to the American Red Cross Relief Fund for Nepal earthquake victims.

After the first earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, the strongest to hit the region in more than 80 years, RTI offered to match employee contributions to the relief effort. A second earthquake struck Nepal shortly after on May 12.

In response, RTI staff members contributed $36,250 and RTI donated $35,000 for a total contribution of $71,250.

There are approximately 60 RTI staff members working on three projects in Nepal. RTI has accounted for all of them; however, some lost family members and their homes.

"We are fortunate that our staff members in Nepal are all safe, but many of their families are impacted and our hearts go out to everyone in the region," said Wayne Holden, Ph.D., president and CEO of RTI. "Our staff members have again shown their extreme generosity to help those in need. We are pleased to support the disaster relief efforts of the American Red Cross."    

"The American Red Cross is grateful for our relationship with Dr. Holden, RTI, and its employees. Whether it is around the corner, across the country or, like this, around the world, when disasters occur, RTI has continually exercised the philanthropic spirit that is so infused throughout their organization. For that and for choosing the Red Cross, we are very appreciative," said Stan Morris, Executive Director for the American Red Cross in Durham.

To date, the American Red Cross, as part of a global humanitarian network, has committed $5 million to support the Nepal earthquake relief efforts, and deployed 12 disaster specialists. It is also providing remote mapping and information management support, with nearly 4,900 volunteers contributing to mapping Nepal.