Matson support in Guam/Micronesia totaled $357K in 2018

Matson helps ship relief goods to Saipan in the wake of Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018. Photo courtesy of Jose T. Quan of Ginen Marianas. (Contributed Photo)

GUAM—Matson contributed a total of $3.6 million in cash and in-kind donations to more than 850 charitable organizations and non-profit programs in 2018, including $357,000 in support for 96 organizations in Guam and Micronesia. 

Cash contributions to Guam organizations, including funds directed by employees through the company’s matching gift programs, totaled more than $167,000 in 2018, while the value of donated services and equipment added up to more than $190,000.

“Matson considers itself a lifeline to the communities it serves, and with that comes a special responsibility,” said Matt Cox, chairman and CEO. “In addition to being a reliable supply chain provider, Matson is committed to supporting local organizations that improve the quality of life in our communities.”

Some of Matson’s larger cash contributions in the region last year included $10,868 to American Red Cross-NMI Chapter to support its disaster response efforts; $10,000 to University of Guam, Guam Community College, Palau Community College, College of Micronesia, and Northern Marianas College, part of a  five-year $50,000 commitment providing scholarships at each of these institutions in recognition of Matson’s 20 years of service to Guam/CNMI; $10,000 to the Micronesian Games Organizing Committee to support its regional event in Yap; $5,000 to Palau Red Cross to support disaster preparedness programs; $3,000  to American Red Cross-Guam to support disaster preparedness programs; and $3,000 to Special Olympics Guam in support of its year-round programs and annual games event.

Matson’s in-kind contributions in the region in 2018 included more than $125,000 in shipments of relief materials and supplies for various organizations to aid recovery from Super Typhoon Yutu on Saipan and Tinian, and multiple shipments of materials to Yap for the Micronesian Games Organizing Committee.

Matson focuses its community support on local programs providing vital health care and human services; youth development / recreation; disaster preparedness and recovery; education; cultural and environmental preservation; the arts; agriculture and nutrition; and maritime safety.

Detailed information on Matson’s community support activities in 2018 is available in Manifest, Matson’s annual giving report, posted online at: https://www.matson.com/community/index.html.

Founded in 1882, Matson is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services in Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia.

Matson also operates a premium, expedited service from China to Southern California and provides services to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific. 

The company’s fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. 

Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson’s transportation network throughout the continental U.S. 

For more information, visit www.matson.com. (PR)