Fifth Third Commits $10,000 to Address Effects of COVID-19 in West Virginia
American Red Cross West Virginia Region receives funds to help with emergency efforts
CHARLESTON, W.Va., April 8, 2020 /3BL Media/ – The Fifth Third Foundation today announced a $10,000 philanthropic commitment to help address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in West Virginia. The funds will be deployed to meet the immediate needs of the American Red Cross West Virginia Region.
“We are making this $10,000 philanthropic commitment to support the needs of our community and to help our community's most vulnerable and most needy. An average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. Donations are used to provide food shelter, emotional support and other assistance, said Bob Welty, West Virginia market president for Fifth Third Bank. “This pandemic is impacting all segments of the population, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities who may be disproportionately affected by current events.”
“It is our responsibility and commitment to work with community partners and non-profit organizations to help see our communities through the coming stages of relief, recovery and resiliency. We will navigate this together,” said Greg D. Carmichael, chairman, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank.
The West Virginia donation to the American Red Cross West Virginia Region is part of the $8.75 million commitment that is being funded by the Fifth Third Foundation and the Fifth Third Chicagoland Foundation. The commitment was announced March 20. Among the areas to be funded:
Relief Funds:
- $3.25 million for COVID-19 response needs in the regions served by Fifth Third Bank.
Recovery & Resiliency Funds:
- $5.5 million in Strengthening our Communities Fund grants to support the long-term sustainability of our economy. This includes funding to support small businesses, affordable housing and homeownership, and economic development.
This $8.75 million commitment of philanthropic funds are in addition to actions already taken by Fifth Third Bank to immediately assist customers in the wake of the pandemic. For information, visit www.53.com/covid19.
About the Fifth Third Foundation
Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was one of the first charitable foundations created by a financial institution. The Fifth Third Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.
