When natural disasters strike, the direct selling community is quick to offer help with relief efforts. Such was the case in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the Category 4 storm that caused catastrophic flooding in southeastern Texas this past week.
When Harvey slammed into the Texas coast, bringing with it record rainfall and causing severe flooding that has displaced tens of thousands of Houston-area residents, organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army immediately mobilized to provide aid. Corporate giants across the country, including Verizon and Walmart, collectively pledged over $100 million to support relief efforts.
Throughout the direct selling community, companies pledged donations and began fundraising efforts to lend their support. The following is a list of direct selling companies that Direct Selling News is aware of that are contributing to disaster efforts, and there are sure to be more in the coming weeks. Messages from their social media posts are in quotes.
Ambit Energy
To support relief efforts on the Texas Gulf Coast, Ambit Energy will contribute $25,000 to the American Red Cross.
Avon
“Share your love and support to Hurricane Harvey victims with our $10 Avon Hurricane Relief Package that will help fund an assortment of critical personal care products and housewares items that Avon will transport to area shelters on your behalf.”
Forever Living
“Over the last few days, we’ve received a great number of inquiries about how you can help the people of Houston and Southeast Texas following the devastating Hurricane Harvey. We are excited to announce that our friends over at Forever Giving are partnering with Rise Against Hunger, once again, and there are tens of thousands of meals and Forever Living Products personal care products heading to those in need in the coming few days.”
Mary Kay
“To all who are impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, our hearts are with you. We are working with our disaster relief partners to identify ways we can provide assistance to all those affected. If you are interested in making a personal donation, please consider the Red Cross and Salvation Army.”
Melaleuca
Melaleuca held a community food drive on Aug. 31 with the intention of filling an entire semi-truck full of items. Two drivers left Idaho Falls last night to drive the 1,500 miles straight to the Houston area where donations will be dropped off at evacuation centers. The American Red Cross has already requested a large amount of snack bars and sunscreen from Melaleuca that will be delivered to 9,000 people waiting in the Houston Convention Center.
Primerica
Primerica CEO Glenn Williams: “Our hearts go out to the hundreds of thousands of people affected by Hurricane Harvey. To support the relief efforts in these areas, The Primerica Foundation is giving $25,000 to our long-time community partner, the American Red Cross. If you would like to join us in supporting the efforts of the trained disaster relief personnel and volunteers on the ground, you can make a donation using the link to the Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey. Please keep all of the folks affected by this disaster in your thoughts and prayers.”
Stella & Dot
“Join us in helping Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. On your behalf Stella & Dot Family brands has donated $25,000 to the Red Cross. But there is more we can do together.”
Stream
Stream Cares is donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
USANA
In an effort to aid those affected by the wide-spread devastation of Hurricane Harvey, the USANA True Health Foundation (THF) has donated $130,000. This amount will be used for food, nutrition and other aid through THF’s long-time partners, the Children’s Hunger Fund and International Relief Teams, as well as Houston-based officials who will assist in distribution.
Said USANA CEO Kevin Guest, “Through the generosity of our Associates and other donors, the True Health Foundation will be able to distribute 27 pallets of food equaling over 15,000 meals. While disasters of this magnitude are sobering, we are grateful to have the ability and means available to assist and provide support where it is so desperately needed.”
WorldVentures
WorldVentures Foundation, the preferred charity partner of WorldVentures, started an online giving campaign to raise money for the children affected by Hurricane Harvey. After only three days of campaigning to WorldVentures Independent Reps and Employees, $10,000 was donated to Save the Children in their efforts to provide relief services focusing on children. For those wishing to help, the Foundation will be accepting donations through the month of September with 100% of money raised to be donated to Save the Children.
Young Living
Two days before Hurricane Harvey, Typhoon Hato hit southern China and swept through Hong Kong, Macau and parts of Taiwan. The Young Living Foundation will offer aid to victims of both disasters, matching the first $50,000 raised.
We continue to update our coverage and share the industry’s outpouring of love, support and aid to those affected by these natural disasters. If you do not see your company mentioned, please send your updates to editor@directsellingnews.com with Disaster Relief in the subject line.
