Volvo Group has donated SEK 2 million to the areas of China that have been hit most severely by the earthquake. In addition, Volvo Group has provided Volvo equipment which has already been used in rescue work in various parts of the affected areas.
The earthquake, reportedly the most powerful to hit China in 30 years, has claimed at least 15,000 casualties in Sichuan province and left many people homeless.
In response to the need for rapid and efficient action, Volvo Group has launched the “Blue Care” program and immediately pledged SEK 2 million to the people most affected by the disaster through the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation. Volvo Group has also provided excavators, wheel loaders, generator sets and trucks for rescue use at its own expense. At the same time, employees of Volvo Group China are raising funds to help earthquake victims.
“The earthquake in Wenchuan in Sichuan province has influenced all of us. We would like to extend our sympathy to all those who have been affected by the earthquake and to those who have lost family and friends. All of our 4,000 employees are naturally very concerned about the progress of the rescue and since China is a very important market for Volvo Group we felt it was natural to contribute to the rescue effort,” said Pär Östberg, Senior VP of Volvo Group for Asia.
Around 20 Lingong wheel loaders and 10 Volvo excavators have started work on the front line. Volvo is coordinating with its dealers throughout Sichuan province to provide more machines to meet the urgent needs of the earthquake-stricken areas.
