We’ve all been watching in shock and horror as Russian forces continue to launch endless military strikes against the people of Ukraine, turning their once vibrant cities into smoldering piles of rubble. We’ve seen hospitals and schools ruthlessly bombed without mercy for the innocent civilians within their walls, some of them newborn babies. Since the first attack on February 24, the situation in Ukraine has become increasingly dire. People who’ve managed to survive the bombings are now left without food, water, shelter, and medicine.
Americans are eager to help the people of Ukraine, and our manufacturers are stepping up and making an impact. Many companies have ceased operations in Russia and others have stopped exporting goods and conducting any business there.
Countless U.S. manufacturers are donating significant funds and other types of aid to Ukraine, too. We’re highlighting a few of them here, along with the industry organizations who also are pitching in to help:
- Caterpillar Inc. has donated more than $1M through its Caterpillar Foundation
- Stanley Black & Decker shut down its Russian business and is donating $1M to the United Nations’ refugee agency, UNICEF and the Red Cross, and doubling matches for employee donations to approved charities.
- Ammo Inc. donated $700,000 worth of AK-47 ammunition
- Cummins has fast-tracked $250,000 in grants
- Ford Motor Company pledged $100,000 to the Global Giving Ukraine Relief Fund
- The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Foundation contributed $300,000 and has pledged up to $300,000 more through a matching campaign. Initial donors included Pratt & Whitney ($25,000) and Air Lease Corporation ($100,000)
In addition, The National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Emergency Response Committee has partnered with Project HOPE and is engaging with other members who are donating.
“Manufacturers are truly at the forefront of aid efforts to Ukraine,” NAM Senior Director of International Trade and Regulatory Affairs Ryan Ong said. “Collectively, they’ve raised tens of millions of dollars for food, shelter, medicine, health care and more for the people of Ukraine. They’ve stepped up to help those in need, just as they do as a group in any time of crisis or hardship.”
While we can’t list all of the manufacturing organizations who are helping Ukraine, we can share a good resource for others who want to help. In their newsletter, EB Landing, Electric Boat of Groton, CT, published a list of organizations accepting either financial or in-kind donations. All are highly rated by Charity Navigator, ensuring your donation will be used as intended.
We at Connecticut Manufacturers Resource Group (CTmrg.com) stand with the people of Ukraine and hope for a quick end to the war.