Mars, Inc., Works with Its Pet Brand Mars Petcare, Royal Canin to Support Communities Impacted by Winter Storms
In response to the devastating winter storms across many communities in the US, Mars, Incorporated, including several of its pet brands, announced a donation of nearly $500,000 in cash and in-kind donations, inclusive of a $100,000 donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
Grant F. Reid, CEO of Mars said, “We’re grateful that our Mars associates are safe following the recent destructive and dangerous storms. But, many of them, their families and friends have been impacted along with millions of others. We’re thankful for partner organizations like the American Red Cross that are bringing additional resources and relief to communities, people and pets, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting that work.”
Mars has more than 60,000 associates in the US and presence in 49 states. In addition to the $100,000 American Red Cross donation, Mars Wrigley, Mars Food, Mars Petcare and Royal Canin will make in-kind product donations to help people and pets. As an extension of Mars Petcare, the Pedigree Foundation is supporting impacted pets and animal welfare organizations with $25,000 in disaster relief grants. Mars Veterinary Health practices including Banfield Pet Hospital, BluePearl and VCA Animal Hospitals are providing a range of support in local communities across Texas. In addition, the Banfield Foundation and VCA Charities are donating medical supplies, funding veterinary relief teams and the transport of impacted pets.
Anton Vincent, President of Mars Wrigley North America, said, “Our associates, consumers and customers have been impacted by these storms and we want to do our part to provide support to the communities where we live and work. We’re pleased to partner with great organizations like the American Red Cross, which are on the ground working to assist those most impacted by the storms.”
American Red Cross Disaster Relief supports disasters big and small and countless other crises. Mars and the Red Cross have a long-standing relationship, including a worldwide partnership with the Mars Wrigley Foundation, which began in 1989.
“Millions of people – with the majority in Texas – have been left without power, heat and in some cases, water due to winter storms bringing extreme cold, heavy snow and ice to a broad swath of the country,” said Don Herring, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross. “Thanks to the commitment of partners like Mars, the Red Cross is able to work around the clock with partners on the ground to make sure people have a safe and warm place to stay, ready-to-eat meals and comfort.”