THE international distribution and logistics company FedEx Corporation has made a special delivery to The Salvation Army's Golden State Division in San Francisco, USA. The company donated a custom Disaster Response Unit (DRU) – the first vehicle of its kind in San Francisco.
The co-branded DRU, valued at US$100,000, is one of 15 units that FedEx has donated to The Salvation Army during the past five years. It is fitted with the latest equipment and technology to assist disaster response personnel in helping community members during and after emergencies such as fires, earthquakes and floods.
A fully functioning kitchen allows workers and volunteers to prepare meals for approximately 2,500 people per day. A GPS tracking device will enable Salvation Army leaders to know exactly where the unit is at any time. In addition to assisting during disaster situations, the DRU will participate in a Salvation Army street outreach programme which serves approximately 750 unsheltered people per week.
Rose Flenorl (Manager, Global Citizenship, FedEx Services) says: 'At FedEx, we are fully committed to disaster relief and recovery through our transportation network and are known for making critical deliveries in times of need. Through the donation of this new Disaster Response Unit we hope to help The Salvation Army continue to deliver much-needed food and aid to San Francisco-area residents in times of need.'
Major Wayne Froderberg (Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army's Golden State Division) adds: 'Disaster Response Units like the one donated by FedEx allow our responders to be among the first on the scene of a disaster and help ease the devastation experienced by so many involved.'
From a report first published on disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
Photo: Jim Harbaugh (Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers American Football Team) presents the keys to the new Disaster Response Unit to Major Wayne Froderberg (Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator, Golden State Division), watched by Steve Seymour (Managing Director, FedEx Express) and Lieut-Colonel Steve Smith (Divisional Commander, Golden State Division)