Mazda will supply 18 of its most functional vehicles to Red Cross chapters across the nation to deliver emergency supplies and services to families affected by disasters.

The American Red Cross today recognized Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), headquartered in Irvine, California, for its support of Red Cross disaster response work through the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP).

Red Cross ADGP members pledge donations on an ongoing basis, in advance of major disasters, to help the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income.

Based on a long-standing partnership with the Red Cross, Mazda increased its annual contribution to ADGP and is now the first automotive manufacturer to join as a $1 million member of the giving program through a cash and vehicle donation. Mazda’s vehicle donation is the company’s largest in-kind vehicle donation ever.

“Thanks to the support of Mazda and other companies and foundations, the Red Cross can immediately respond to the needs of people impacted by disaster in the United States,” said American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern. “Members of this program generously help create a reliable funding base for disaster relief services, providing food, shelter, emotional support and other essential assistance to disaster victims.”

Mazda will supply 18 of its most functional vehicles to Red Cross chapters across the nation to deliver emergency supplies and services to families affected by disasters and other emergencies. Of the 18 donated vehicles, nine are 2015 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover SUVs that seat seven passengers and provide up to 100.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, as well as nine 2015 Mazda5 multi-activity vehicles that offer up to 44.4 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for six. The vehicles will also help transport resources and materials to train people in lifesaving skills such as CPR, AED and first aid.

“Mazda’s partnership with the American Red Cross goes beyond monetary donations and we are honored to provide them with Mazda vehicles to be used on the front lines of disaster relief,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Mazda builds some of the most reliable vehicles on the market and we have no doubt they will serve Red Cross volunteers in times of need. Being a member of the ADGP program allows Mazda the best opportunity to give back to our local communities nationwide.”

Mazda also supports Red Cross blood drives and disaster preparedness efforts in their communities, and provides employees opportunities to support the Red Cross through volunteer work.

Other members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program include major leading companies such as 3M; Altria Group; American Airlines; American Express; Anheuser Busch Foundation; Anthem Foundation; Aon; Bank of America; BNY Mellon; Capital One; Caterpillar Foundation; Cisco Foundation; Citi Foundation; ConAgra Foods Foundation; Costco Wholesale;  Darden Restaurants Foundation; Discover; Disney; Dr Pepper Snapple Group; Edison International; FedEx Corporation; Ford Motor Company; Grainger; Humble Bundle; John Deere Foundation; Johnson Controls; Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Kraft Foods Group Foundation; LDS Charities; Lowe's Companies, Inc.; Mazda North American Operations; Medtronic; Meijer; Merck & Co., Inc.; MondelÄ“z International Foundation; National Grid; Nationwide Insurance Foundation; PepsiCo Foundation; Prudential Foundation; Samsung; San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Southwest Airlines; Sprint; State Farm; Sunoco; Target; The Home Depot; The TJX Companies, Inc.; United Airlines; United Technologies Corporation; UPS; VSPâ„ Vision care for life; Walmart; Wawa; and Wells Fargo.

People can join ADGP members in supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief and help provide food, shelter, emotional support and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

American Red Cross

American Red Cross

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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