DEC Employees Raise $45,700 in Private Contributions for Haiti Assistance

ALBANY, NY (02/11/2010)(readMedia)-- In one week, employees of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raised more than $45,700 in private donations to help Haiti recover from the effects of the devastating earthquake that took place on Jan. 12, 2010. Through a combination of raffles, bake sales, direct donations, and matching funds, DEC staff raised the money for the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders to support their critical work in providing medical assistance and rebuilding the devastated city of Port-au-Prince.

"After seeing the footage of an earthquake-ravaged country with tens of thousands of children and families in need, DEC staff rallied together to find ways to help," Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "In just a short time, generous contributions poured in from DEC employees in Albany and our regional offices across the state. And while our great staff has experience helping others as part of our daily work, the outpouring of support for these two well-respected organizations was an extraordinary reminder that their caring and generosity goes well beyond their daily assignments."

DEC's fundraising drive ran from Jan. 20-27. DEC staff also reached out to SEFCU Federal Credit Union, based in Albany, which agreed to match contributions to the American Red Cross from DEC's upstate offices. As a result, a total of $33,625 in employee and matching funds will be contributed to ARC's relief efforts. Doctors Without Borders will be receiving more than $12,082 contributed by DEC employees.

Media Note: Photo of DEC'S Haiti Relief Fund Committee available upon request