Monday, January 25 2010
RICHMOND, VA— General Cigar announced today that the company will make a multi-faceted contribution to bolster relief efforts in Haiti.
According to Dan Carr, chief operating officer, "As a company with strong ties to Haiti, we are deeply saddened by the recent tragedy and feel we have a responsibility to assist the country. In recognizing the immediate need for financial donations, and the necessity for sustainable support, we have committed to a long-term action plan to help in the rebuilding of the country."
Responding to the devastating earthquake, General Cigar will utilize its "Social Fund" in addition to employee donations to make a financial contribution of an undisclosed amount to Haitian relief. This donation will be funneled through the Association of Industry of the North Region, a Dominican-based organization which will disperse funds collected by General Cigar to Catholic charities in Haiti.
General Cigar is currently working to develop a comprehensive agricultural outreach program to support the island nation which has been plagued by deforestation and infertile soil. While this endeavor is in development, General Cigar has already pledged to sharing resources including the expertise of its team of agronomists who will assist Haiti by implementing reforestation and soil management programs.
General Cigar's commitment to supporting Haitian relief efforts stems from its comprehensive corporate citizenship program which is underwritten solely by the company. Since 1992, General Cigar has been actively assisting the people of the Dominican Republic and Honduras through a variety of programs geared toward improving literacy and education, as well as providing agricultural and environmental support for the developing nations.
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