Dow Announces Additional Relief Support For Haiti, Plans For Chile

MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) today made public several support efforts that have been underway to assist the ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Haiti and Chile. The Company announced additional support of the Haiti earthquake response through its support of a relief mission which took place on March 6 and 7 to bring surgeons, medical supplies and clothing to those in need, and an initial financial contribution to relief efforts in Chile as well.

“The outpouring of support for both Haiti and Chile from the international community has been truly tremendous”

As part of its continued support of Haiti relief efforts, Dow collaborated with several Boston-area hospitals and like-minded companies to bring more than $750,000 in donated medical equipment to those in need – specifically an anesthesia machine and other specialized surgical equipment – via a relief flight that took place this weekend from the U.S. to Haiti.

The mission was one of the single, largest private sector relief efforts since a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Republic of Haiti on January 12.

On its return flight to the U.S., the airplane transported more than 40 orphans who’ve been cleared for adoption by the U.S. State Department.

“The outpouring of support for both Haiti and Chile from the international community has been truly tremendous,” said Bo Miller, Global Director of Corporate Citizenship. “Contributions from Dow and Dow employees have helped provide tangible and meaningful aid to the survivors of these earthquakes as they rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives. We’re pleased that these donations are helping to support those in the human family at a time when they are in greatest need.”

Since the January quake, Dow has donated $500,000 to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, as well as an additional $250,000 through an employee matching gift program to support The United Nations World Food Programme. Nearly 2,000 Dow employees personally contributed more than $320,000 of their own funds to Haiti relief efforts as well.

Dow is also providing innovative product solutions to help meet some of the most basic needs of the Haitian people, such as the need for clean water. Two ultra filtration water systems from Dow are being built to provide much needed water to between 5,000 and 10,000 people a day in partnership with Pure Water for the World. Also, together with key customers, Dow has donated raw materials used in the manufacture of mattresses which will assist people who lost their homes and belongings.

According to Miller, these efforts are consistent with the Company’s corporate citizenship and sustainability missions and its commitment to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Dow’s initial donation to Chile will provide support and relief to those who’ve been seriously affected by the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern region of Chile on February 27. Hogar De Cristo, a well-known and established relief organization based in Santiago, will receive $100,000 from Dow, while another $100,000 is being set aside for future rebuilding as the needs are fully assessed. The Company is also sending provisions from Santiago to Talcahuano to assist 70 employees located near the city.

About The Dow Chemical Company

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2009, Dow had annual sales of $45 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 214 sites in 37 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.