Hanesbrands Inc., the parent of Hanes and Champion, has responded to
Tropical Storm Noel by providing immediate and ongoing assistance to
Dominican Republic communities where the company has seven
manufacturing facilities.
In total, Hanesbrands has authorized nearly $100,000 in company funds
to help meet the need for aid in the Dominican Republic, including more
than $35,000 in direct assistance to its employees and the community
and a $25,000 donation to the Red Cross.
Local company officials have worked with its employees, the government
and community organizations to determine how and where to provide
support, which has included fuel, food, water, roofing tiles and
bedding.
As a result of the storm that came ashore on Oct. 28, more than 78,000
Dominican residents remain in temporary shelters. Immediately after the
storm, more than one-third of the country was without electrical power,
and transportation was hindered due to the collapse of bridges and
other roadway obstacles.
“This was a terrible situation for our employees and their communities
because there was limited access to even the most basic supplies in the
days during and after the storm,” said Gerald Evans, Hanesbrands
executive vice president, chief global supply chain officer. “We are
fortunate to have dedicated employees who have committed themselves to
helping communities cope with the aftermath of this disaster.”
During the height of the storm, Hanesbrands representatives prepared
more than 3,000 hot meals and provided more than 11,500 bottles of
water for residents staying in community shelters.
Hanesbrands manufacturing facilities are located in Santo Domingo,
Bonao, San Pedro and Santiago, and all were fully operational in the
day after the storm due to the commitment of its employees.
“We are impressed by the professionalism and dedication of our
employees throughout the Dominican Republic,” Evans said. “We want to
make sure that we honor their commitment to us by helping see the
country through the challenges of Noel.”
More than 175 of the companys 7,800 Dominican Republic employees
registered significant losses due to the storm and its aftermath.
Hanesbrands representatives, led by Armando Zelaya, plant operations
director for Hanesbrands Dos Rios Textiles in Bonao, and other members
of the management team, visited employee homes to identify how the
company could provide assistance.
In addition, the company:
Secured a donation of
over-the-counter medications and fluids from its health insurance
provider
Provided the funds to purchase
hundreds of mattresses, pillows and sheet sets for employees who lost
their beds due to flooding and mudslides
Distributed nearly 2,000 corrugated metal roofing tiles to repair homes
Authorized the immediate
donation of $20,000 worth of clothing and medicine to employees and the
community.
The company will continue to contribute funds where there are areas of need.
“We are committed as an organization to focus on lifes basic
necessities and the fundamental needs of the people in our communities
across the world,” said Chris Fox, Hanesbrands vice president,
corporate social responsibility. “Our relationships with people
throughout the Dominican Republic have enabled us to make significant
contributions to the community, and we hope we have been able to
provide some solace to everyone facing these great challenges.”
