UPSTATE — The American Red Cross of the Western Carolinas announced today that Duke Energy has made a gift of $15,000 to the American Red Cross in support of the Ready 365 Giving Program. As a Ready 365 partner, Duke Energy stands with the American Red Cross in preparing the community to prevent and mitigate disasters and in providing relief and recovery to people who have been impacted by disasters.

Disasters are on the rise and with a growing population and infrastructure the public is more susceptible to being affected by these events. In fact, nearly 2.1 million American adults were affected by disasters between 2001 and 2012. That’s nearly five times more than in the prior decade. For every dollar spent in preparation, four to ten dollars is saved in recovery. This has huge implications for both the American Red Cross and businesses in our state. Prepared employees are able to ensure the safety of their family, rely less heavily on the support of organizations like the Red Cross and are able to return to work faster.

As a partner in the Ready 365 Giving Program, Duke Energy joins a select group of businesses that are leaders in promoting preparedness, response and recovery from disasters in our community. Their support enables the American Red Cross to provide comfort and hope when it’s needed most – 365 days a year.

“It’s wonderful to have companies like Duke Energy who recognize the importance of preparing for disasters before they strike,” said Ann Wright, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of the Western Carolinas. “Duke Energy’s willingness to make an investment in preparing the community and in preparing their employees – both at work and at home – is a model for others to follow.”

“Duke Energy knows how important it is to be ready when a storm or other disaster strikes our communities,” said Clark Gillespy, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president. “By partnering with the American Red Cross in this campaign we hope to help educate businesses and their employees on the importance of being prepared for any disaster that might come their way.”

Participation in the Ready 365 Giving Program supports vital Red Cross services in the community while also providing benefits for the partner company including training for employees in disaster preparedness and adult CPR/AED; opportunities to engage employees in volunteer activities in support of Red Cross services; and recognition through a variety of marketing and communications channels.

Companies interested in the Ready 365 Giving Program can contact Sarah Dow, Regional Chief Development Officer at 864.901.9973 or Sarah.Dow@redcross.org