Citing the “devastating” circumstances ensuing from fires in southern California, Amgen Foundation recently pledged $500,000 for assistance as well as plans for a global matching donation program.
"These devastating fires have caused significant damage to our communities and impacted our staff,” Cynthia Patton, Amgen’s chief compliance officer and chair of the Amgen Foundation board of directors, said in the release. “We are committed to assisting in relief efforts and are grateful for the firefighters and first responders who have put their lives in danger to protect our communities.”
The foundation has committed $200,000 to the United Way of Ventura County for relief efforts and up to $300,000 for support of wildfire victims, the release said.
Amgen Foundation also will match donations from Amgen staff worldwide to help those affected by the wildfires.
"During this overwhelming time, we want our friends and neighbors to know that we stand united with them now more than ever and are grateful for the support from the Amgen Foundation," Eric Harrison, president and CEO of United Way of Ventura County, said in the release. "In the days and weeks ahead, we will deploy more than $1 million that has been donated already to the United Way Thomas Fire Fund to those who have experienced devastation and heartache beyond measure."
