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Matson community support tops $2.5 million in 2016
Guam and Pacific islands receive $200,000
GUAM—Matson contributed a total of more than $2.9 million in cash and in-kind donations to charitable organizations and community efforts in the communities it serves in 2016, with more than $200,000 in services and equipment, going to Guam, Micronesia and South Pacific island organizations.
“Matson is a committed, long-term community partner,” said Matt Cox, president and CEO. “Improving the communities we serve is a core value at Matson, and our contributions are directed by local employees, who best know and are involved in their communities.”
Last year, Matson supported 75 Guam and Micronesia organizations, and 12 in the South Pacific, providing community resources in human services; youth development/ recreation; community improvement / disaster preparedness; education; cultural and the arts; environmental preservation; agriculture and nutrition; and maritime safety.
In celebration of Matson’s 20th anniversary of service to Guam, notable regional grants last year included final payment on a $100,000 pledge to the University of Guam and payments toward a five-year $50,000 scholarship program supporting post-secondary scholarships in Guam and Micronesia.
Matson also supported disaster preparedness and response activities in Guam, the Northern Marianas and Saipan with significant contributions to local chapters of the American Red Cross.
In addition to Matson’s cash donations, major in-kind support included donated or discounted shipping for the Festival of Pacific Arts in Guam and for Cyclone Winston relief in Fiji.
Matson’s environmental program, Adahi I Tano’ (caring for the land), marked its fourth year by partnering with 29 Guam organizations – generally sports and student groups – each earning $500 for weekend cleanups, removing trash and debris from public areas. Since the program began, Adahi I Tano’ has benefited 72 different charities.
“We have proudly served Guam and Micronesia for 20 years and remain passionate about protecting and preserving our precious environment and culture. We demonstrate this not only through our involvement in our communities but how we conduct our business throughout the islands,” said Bernie Valencia, general manager for Matson.
Detailed information on Matson’s 2016 giving, including a list of recipients, is available in Matson Foundation’s annual report posted at http://www.matson.com/foundation/pdf/matfdn_manifest_2016.pdf. (PR)
