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Alcoa Foundation Invests Approximately US$375,000 in Programs to Improve Quality of Life in Jamaica in 2004; Foundation's Five-Year Investment in Jamaica Nears US$1 Million
Alcoa Foundation Invests Approximately US$375,000 in Programs to Improve Quality of Life in Jamaica in 2004; Foundation's Five-Year Investment in Jamaica Nears US$1 Million
Published 02-03-05
Submitted by Alcoa Inc.
"Through our partnership with Jamalco, we have provided the funding for quality healthcare in hospitals, vocational training for residents, and scholarship funds to local educational institutions," said Kathleen W. Buechel, president and treasurer of Alcoa Foundation. "Jamalco employees work directly with representatives from the community, government and local organizations to learn what local needs exist so that Alcoa Foundation can continue its long history of working to invest in the quality of life at Alcoa communities worldwide."
Several grants addressed disaster preparedness before Hurricane Ivan hit in September and rehabilitation efforts in its aftermath. Alcoa employees joined community members and local officials to spearhead efforts to clean storm drains before the hurricane hit so that flood damage could be mitigated. At the same time, the Foundation granted US$25,000 to the Jamaican Red Cross to establish and stock emergency shelters.
After the hurricane hit, the Foundation awarded a US$80,000 grant to Food for the Poor Inc. to teach fishermen in two Jamaican communities a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly technique to fish. The funding was used to purchase boats and fishing and cooling equipment so that the fisherman can fish farther out in the water, which helps to protect endangered reefs closer to shore. This effort is part of a longer commitment to restore economic activity in two communities near Jamalco, where the livelihood of many fishermen was devastated by the hurricane.
Rehabilitation and caring for those affected by the hurricane extended into Alcoa's Worldwide Week of Community Service activities last October, when local employees re-roofed and painted a damaged school and held health care screening in the communities of Mitchell Town, Portland Cottage and Downer.
Some of the other organizations that benefited from Alcoa Foundation grants in 2004 include:
Jamalco is a 50/50 relationship between Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals ("AWAC") - a global alliance between Alcoa and Alumina Ltd. - and the Government of Jamaica. Jamalco employs nearly 565 people in the country and has an annual impact of approximately US$119 million on the local economy.
About Alcoa Foundation
Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in more than 32 countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa's ACTION and Bravo! programs that recognize the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organizations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com, under Community.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has approximately 131,000 employees in 43 countries and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 45 years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
Alcoa Inc.
Alcoa Inc.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com
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