London, July 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UPS's Humanitarian Relief Program - which organizes UPS's expertise, logistics capabilities, and funds to assist in disaster relief efforts around the world - has been honored with the International Disaster Relief Award from Business in the Community (BITC), a U.K. based organization. As part of the Responsible Business Awards, the recognition acknowledges UPS's support for all phases of the disaster response spectrum including preparedness, urgent relief and post crisis recovery.
In 2013, UPS provided $7.5 million in humanitarian relief funding, technical support and in-kind services to more than 20 relief organizations, leveraging its global network and local operational support to transport 250 humanitarian shipments across 46 countries. Over the years, the company has been active in response to a number of international disasters, from floods in Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines to the famine crisis in the Horn of Africa, earthquakes in China and Haiti, as well as tsunamis in the Indian Ocean and Japan.
Most recently UPS worked with UNICEF, assisting in their initiative to provide winter clothing to 100,000 children affected by the Syrian crisis. UPS coordinated the delivery of donated supplies from retailers, mobilizing more than 150 UPS and UNICEF volunteers to create individual care packages for every displaced boy and girl with clothing specific to their size and gender.
Also in the fourth quarter of last year, The UPS Foundation provided $1 million in financial and in-kind support following Typhoon Haiyan, the largest typhoon in Philippines history. UPS deployed local logistician Oliver Bartolo to the World Food Program for six weeks to lead the Logistics Emergency Team efforts there and Bartolo coordinated customs clearance, warehousing and transportation services in Manila, Cebu and Tacloban.
Taking place for 17 years, the BITC Responsible Business Awards are the UK's longest running awards championing responsible business practices. The International Disaster Relief Award recognizes businesses that demonstrate positive disaster relief action in the immediate aftermath of international disasters.
Speaking at the awards, George Willis, managing director, UPS UK, Ireland & Nordics said: "When international disasters occur, UPS is touched in a profound way. With nearly 400,000 employees who live or work in more than 220 countries and territories, these are our communities, too. Our people see first-hand the devastation and human suffering, and our inherent values to help those in need compel us to act. UPS is in a unique position to assist. Disasters leave behind broken supply chains which are vital to transport life-saving medicines, food and shelter to these victims. At UPS we're able to use our global network, expertise and assets to help NGOs and communities prepare, respond and recover from the most complex disasters. Giving back to the local and international community is ingrained in our heritage and we are honored to be recognized by BITC tonight."
About The UPS Foundation
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Since its founding in 1907, UPS® (NYSE:UPS) has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. The UPS Foundation, founded in 1951, is responsible for facilitating community involvement in local, national and global communities. In 2013 UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $102 million and contributed 1.8 million hours of volunteer time globally. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/foundation. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.