Red Cross Receives Generous Donation From Florida Power & Light to Support International Relief Efforts

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (January 8, 2021) – The American Red Cross has received a generous gift of $50,000 from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), designated to support international disaster relief efforts in Central American communities that continue to be devastated two months after hurricanes Eta and Iota made landfall.

The American Red Cross is grateful for FPL’s support to build and repair damaged shelters; improve access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation; address health care, including COVID-19 prevention; and provide psychosocial support.

“We are honored and proud to call Florida Power & Light a continued humanitarian partner. Their generous donation allows us to continue to serve and support so many in need in the face of emergencies,” said Josett Valdez, CEO of the South Florida Red Cross.

Hurricanes Eta and Iota’s heavy rains, floods, and landslides affected more than 4.5 million people across multiple Central American countries and caused loss of life, significant injury, homelessness, and structural damage.

Following Eta and Iota’s November landfalls, the Red Cross was on the ground working with local authorities to deliver a massive relief operation. Red Cross relief teams have been mobilized across affected countries throughout Central America assisting more than 100,000 people.

Teams held search and rescue missions and safely transported critically ill or injured people to hospitals. Emergency crews continue to distribute food, fuel, hygiene kits, kitchen kits and help provide mental health support. Emergency response units have been deployed to help those in need with water, sanitation, and hygiene needs.

“Our hearts go out to those affected by the hurricane devastation in Central America,” said Irene White, FPL senior director of external affairs and an American Red Cross board member. “As Floridians, we know what it’s like to experience Mother Nature’s fury and how important it is to have support. We hope this donation will help bring some much-needed relief to these communities, where many of us have friends and family.”

From hurricanes to wildfires to earthquakes, FPL and its charitable arm NextEra Energy Foundation have supported the Red Cross during national episodic events for at least two decades and donated $2 million. Additionally, FPL has partnered with the Red Cross to support their Sound the Alarm initiative, a series of free smoke alarm installation events nationwide to help reduce home fire injuries and deaths.

Generous donations from the community and corporate partners enable the American Red Cross to prepare communities for disasters big and small, respond whenever and wherever disasters occur, and help families during the recovery process.

To help the Red Cross continue to deliver its lifesaving mission, you can make a financial donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.

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