10.14.2004 ET

(CSRwire) DETROIT -- The American Red Cross has presented General Motors Corporation and the GM Foundation with one of its highest honors for corporate citizenship, the Circle of Humanitarians award. The award recognizes GM's recent contributions to the hurricane relief efforts of the Red Cross in Florida, other southeastern states and Haiti.

In a ceremony today at GM's world headquarters, Kathleen Loehr, American Red Cross Vice President for Strategic Fundraising, thanked GM and its foundation for donating money and vehicles to assist the Red Cross as it has responded to the immediate needs of victims of hurricanes that struck Florida and the surrounding region in August and September.

"The scope of the recent hurricanes has placed huge demands on the American Red Cross," Loehr said. "It is only with the generosity and leadership of philanthropic organizations like GM and the GM Foundation that we can meet the needs of those who need it the most."

The Circle of Humanitarians award recognizes financial and in-kind supporters of the American Red Cross. It is presented to American Red Cross donors of more than $50,000 in a fiscal year.

Rod Gillum, GM Foundation chairman and GM vice president for Corporate Responsibility and Diversity, accepted the award on behalf of the corporation and foundation.

"We are truly honored by this recognition from the Red Cross, which, for more than a century, has set the standard for emergency response in a time of crisis," Gillum said. "Our hearts go out to the survivors of an unprecedented hurricane season, and we thank the Red Cross and the thousands of volunteers who are helping them meet the challenges of recovery."

In August, following the destruction of Hurricane Charley and at the onset of Hurricane Frances, the GM Foundation donated $100,000 in cash and three HUMMER H2 vehicles equipped with OnStar communications systems to the American Red Cross. OnStar has agreed to equip the HUMMERs with upgraded OnStar service and unlimited Personal Calling minutes for the life of their usage in the Red Cross emergency fleet.

On Oct. 1, GMAC Financial Services announced an additional donation of $150,000 to the Red Cross to assist survivors of Hurricane Ivan. At the same time, the GM Foundation announced a donation of $50,000 to the Red Cross to support rescue efforts in Haiti on behalf of survivors of Hurricane Jeanne. The GM Foundation has promised to match up to $100,000 in GM employee contributions to the Red Cross on behalf of hurricane season victims.

In addition, General Motors Corporation has provided to the Red Cross 72 vehicles, including 40 generator-equipped Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pick-up trucks and 36 cargo and passenger vans, for use as needed in storm-damaged areas. GMAC has deferred monthly payments for some customers, and continues to review, on a case-by-case basis, the status of customers who lost their homes, vehicles or suffered significant property damage during the recent hurricanes.

More information on the GM Foundation can be found on the General Motors corporate website at www.gmability.com.

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