ROSEMEAD, Calif., Nov. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panda Restaurant Group Inc. (PRG), parent company of Panda Express, America's favorite Chinese restaurant, today announced it will collect donations in each of its 1,650 Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San locations to assist victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which recently devastated the Philippines.
Panda also will match 100 percent of in-store and corporate donations collected between Wednesday, November 13 and Wednesday, December 4. The funds will be distributed to the American Red Cross and the Tzu Chi Foundation, an international non-profit humanitarian organization, to support their direct efforts to help victims of the typhoon.
"The tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan has left us heavyhearted," said Peggy Cherng, co-chairman of PRG. "The Panda family is standing with our guests and corporate partners to do what we can to help our global community when unimaginable disasters occur. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims and their families."
Giving is one of Panda's core values, inspiring the company to partner with the American Red Cross and the Tzu Chi Foundation in response to disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan to raise much-needed funds for relief efforts. Since 2011, Panda has raised a total of $1.6 million in collected and matching donations to aid victims of natural disasters including the tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma this past May, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Donations collected and matched by Panda will assist the American Red Cross' efforts to lend Typhoon Haiyan victims with people, expertise and equipment. Donations sent by Panda to Tzu Chi will support its disaster response center in the Philippines, which is delivering supplies and providing relief to the devastated regions, many of which now lack access to basic necessities and clothing.
About Panda Restaurant Group
Panda Restaurant Group Inc. is the world leader in Asian dining experiences with more than 1,650 locations in 46 states. Founded in 1973, the privately held chain of fast casual, full service and quick service restaurant concepts includes Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. For more information visit www.pandaexpress.com, or become a fan on Facebook.