Dell's CSR Efforts

Initiatives cascading to continuing crusades

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Total solutions company Dell, together with a voluntary contribution from its combined work force, responded with assistance for victims of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, particularly the most hard-hit in Tacloban City and other parts of Leyte and Samar provinces. Contributions of more than $80,000 by concerned employees were matched by Dell, dollar-for-dollar.

“The livelihood of the people in Eastern Visayas is dramatically impacted by the scale of the destruction left by typhoon Haiyan, and we are reaching out to do everything we can to help with the relief efforts. Not only in donations, but also in helping provide technology solutions to establish communications between many relief organizations to expedite relief assistance much-needed in disaster areas,” intoned Dell Philippines president Richard Teo.

“As part of our CSR initiatives, there’s an urgent need to continue relief for access to food, water, sanitation, and medication. Initially, we’ve given $50K to UNICEF’s efforts and donated $150K worth of computer equipment to NetHope and its consortium of 40 non-profit organizations. Food, water and clothes were those that were initially handed out but since there’s no power and communication linkages, Dell believed that establishing a network to coordinate all efforts was paramount.

“Our employees, without any management directive, put up an internal Web site and helped raise over P110K in a week’s time. Dell, will match that amount when giving out the donation. To date, we have gathered a total of P400K for disaster relief. With all of the concerted efforts going on countrywide, this speaks of how Filipinos are capable when it comes to nation-building,” added Teo.  

The company and its team members have, so far, contributed more than $350,000 of financial and technology support to disaster relief efforts in Eastern Visayas. Team members also helped victims through a critical-items collection drive as well as volunteering activities on the ground level. “Our thoughts are with those affected by typhoon Haiyan. We continue to monitor the situation and remain in close touch with our Filipino team members, each of whom is safe and accounted for. We’re proud of and grateful for our work force worldwide who have joined the company in funding our relief efforts. Together, we’ll continue to help those impacted to rebuild their lives,” said Trisa Thompson, VP for corporate social responsibility.

Dell has supported the UNICEF global emergency operations since 2009, providing major funding for the UNICEF response relief to the Haiti earthquake and Pakistan floods. “We are sincerely grateful for the support of Dell in our eff

orts to save the lives of children affected by typhoon Yolanda. Dell swiftly moved to send a donation to us in the first critical days of the emergency,” related Dr. Willibald Zeck, chief of Health & Nutrition for UNICEF Philippines.

At the Dell Solutions Tour conference held recently at the Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City’s High Street district, Dell International Services (Philippines) president Richard Teo, and regional enterprise director for South Asia Sumir Bhatia, handed to UNICEF a corporate donation of $50,000 geared toward rushing critical supplies to Filipino children in disaster-hit communities.

“We at UNICEF respond to the life-saving and emergency needs of children, mothers, pregnant women as well as those who just gave birth in times of chaos and disasters,” remarked Georgina Belardo of UNICEF’s corporate alliance, who received the donation in behalf of the organization with Health & Nutrition System officer Merceditas Apelado.

“In the midst of this tragedy, Dell remains focused on customers. Our team will continue to monitor our customers’ needs, especially those in the most-affected areas and will be prepared with support 24/7 as we strive to help them regain some sense of normalcy,” intimated Teo.

The company also gave a $150,000 contribution to NetHope for laptops used by those that responded first at organizations like CARE, Oxfam, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, and Water Aid.

“It’s with support given by partners like Dell that our NetHope member organizations can begin to coordinate more efficiently on the ground in the Philippines, and ultimately save more lives. We are extremely grateful for Dell’s laptop donation, generosity and on-going partnership,” enthused Frank Schott, interim president and executive director of NetHope.

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology, business solutions and services that give them the power to do more. Dell Services develops and delivers a comprehensive suite of services and solutions in applications, business processes, consultations, infrastructure, and support to help customers succeed. For more information, simply visit their Web site www.dell.com.