In response to the Haitian relief effort, Starbucks Corp. has committed support and funding to the growing international relief effort. Starting Jan. 29, participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada will take monetary donations from customers at store registers, with no purchase necessary, to benefit the American and Canadian Red Cross organizations for a limited time. The Starbucks Foundation also will donate $1 million from The Starbucks Foundation to the American Red Cross efforts to help Haiti.
"The generous support of Starbucks, and so many of their customers, will reach the lives of survivors in Haiti, providing help and hope," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of American Red Cross. "The Red Cross is grateful for this global outpouring of compassion, and we encourage people to continue their support for Haiti because the need is so great."
In addition, Haitian-American musician Wyclef Jean has collaborated with Starbucks to make an appeal to the Global Community about the crucial needs of the Haitian community.
"We are devastated by the recent loss of life caused by the earthquake in Haiti," Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz said in a news release. "We feel a tremendous sense of urgency to respond to the humanitarian crisis."
Starbucks is the latest company to announce its plans to collect funds for Haiti hurricane relief efforts. Panda Express and the National Restaurant Association also have launched programs designed to raise funds for victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the country Jan. 12.
