IT&E donates $10K for Typhoon Haiyan rehabilitation efforts

IT&E staff presents the company’s Typhoon Yolanda Relief Fund check to John Hirsch, executive director of ARC. From left to right: Rob Harrell , executive director for Customer Operations; Veronica Acosta, marketing product manager; John Hirsch, ARC; Velma Palacios, head of Network Services; and Hans Mickelson, business sales & marketing manager. (Contributed photo)

IT&E CNMI announced yesterday that their Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) fundraising efforts brought in $10,000. The combined grand total raised by both IT&E Guam and Saipan companywide amounted to $20,000.

A check for $10,000 was presented to John Hirsch, executive director for the NMI Chapter of the American Red Cross, during a ceremony at the IT&E Chalan Lau Lau offices.

All proceeds raised by IT&E will be distributed by the American Red Cross to their general relief fund established to assist the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

IT&E partnered with Magic 100 KWAW-FM during an all-day fundraising event held at the Marianas Business Center. IT&E also conducted a telethon through the efforts of their Customer Care Calling Center. With the bulk of the donations coming from individuals wanting to assist and help out, IT&E went further and matched those donations from the company.

“IT&E’s donation comes at a pinnacle time as there is still much repair work to do and needed support for the people affected in the typhoon region,” said Hirsch. “The devastation was massive. Some villages are just now getting back to normal services like water and power. IT&E’s donation will be well appreciated as the relief effort will continue for some time.”

Rose Soledad, managing director for the CNMI, stated that “the donations made by the CNMI residents show the great generosity the people of the CNMI has for their neighbors in the region. We are so grateful and appreciative of the many individuals who donated to the relief fund in spite of the still flat economy.”

Rob Harrell, executive director for Customer Operations, said: “We extend our continued thoughts and prayers to the many folks affected by the typhoon. IT&E is pleased to have the opportunity to assist. Relief efforts will be ongoing for many more months and it’s our hope that our donation will speed up that process so people can rebuild and get back to their normal lives. We’d also like to thank all of the IT&E staff who volunteered their time to the donation drive and telethon efforts.”

The American Red Cross has raised over $80 million to assist the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Staff from the American Red Cross will probably remain in the Philippines for the next five years working with their partners on further long-term recovery projects.(IT&E)