Cargill and its North American employees “Live United” and increase giving to United Way despite the difficult economy
Date: February 25, 2010
Contact: Susan Eich, 952-742-6245, susan_eich@cargill.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Hundreds of Cargill locations and thousands of employees have helped create a better life for neighbors in their communities by contributing $12.5 million to United Way, exceeding last year’s campaign by $1 million.
"I am very proud that in this economic environment, Cargill employees gave so generously to help others in their communities. More than ever, people need the basic essentials that United Way provides,” said Emery Koenig, Cargill senior vice president and 2009-2010 United Way campaign chair. “This year’s record United Way results demonstrate how Cargill employees are always ready and eager to step up and help those in need: families, individuals, friends and neighbors.”
Cargill is part of the United Way Global Corporate Leadership program, comprising 120 of United Way’s most generous philanthropic partners. In addition, Cargill and its employees consistently rank in the top 30 campaigns across the United States. According to United Way, Cargill is unique in offering the opportunity for employee donations to be matched both from corporate headquarters and the local business unit.
“United Way could not make the impact that it does in communities without important, long-time supporters like Cargill,” said Brian Gallagher, president and chief executive officer of United Way Worldwide. “Once again, Cargill and its employees demonstrated their commitment to community by increasing their campaign by a remarkable 9 percent. Their leadership is improving lives and strengthening communities throughout the country.”
Since 2000, Cargill has contributed more than $67 million to United Way, and every year, additional Cargill locations join in the effort. Many Cargill facilities are located in small, rural areas that rely on United Way support to keep their communities vital and their health and human service networks strong. This year, 206 Cargill locations throughout Canada and the United States raised money and volunteered with agency partners to benefit United Way.
Cargill locations across North America stretched their creativity in 2009 to raise funds for United Way. For example, in Tracy, Calif., Cargill U.S. Food Distribution employees held two themed luncheons, prize drawings, a meat sale and a “Pie in the Face” activity. The location was one of 42 Cargill North American company locations that achieved 100 percent employee participation in its United Way campaign. In Tracy events were organized that helped employees experience direct involvement with those in need in their communities, including beautifying the grounds of a homeless shelter, giving Christmas gifts to troubled teens, walking for the March of Dimes and collecting food for local food banks. The Tracy campaign received a Cargill Champions Fund award for North American locations that demonstrate “best of” community engagement and support through their United Way partnerships. Other Cargill locations that received top honors for their campaigns include Hammond, Ind., Paris, Ill. and Blair, Neb.
About Cargill Community Giving
Cargill gives back to communities by contributing 2 percent of its global consolidated pre-tax earnings (based on a three-year trailing average). Cargill donated $58.2 million in 50 countries during its 2009 fiscal year. Cargill provides support to organizations, projects and programs that fall in three focus areas: nutrition and health; education; and environmental stewardship.
About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 159,000 people in 68 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit www.cargill.com.
