GM Foundation Donates 30 Trucks To Haiti Relief Efforts

Update: the supply-packed Sierras were shipped to Haiti on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 (with pictures below).

Former President Bill Clinton, who is also the current UN Special Envoy to Haiti, called for vehicles to support recovery efforts in Haiti. In response, the General Motors Foundation’s GM Global Aid program will donate 30 GMC Sierras to Haiti relief efforts. The trucks will be used to transport supplies to survivors of the January 12 earthquake.

The donation comes with the cooperation of both the National Football League and the William J. Clinton Foundation. Two of the trucks were delivered yesterday to the NFL’s Little Haiti Outreach Event at the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center in Miami. “Everyone in America has been affected in some way by this tragedy. GM and the NFL are going to visit the heart of Haitian community in South Florida to show our support,” Susan Docherty, Vice President of Sales, Support, and Marketing as well as GM Foundation board member, said yesterday. Miami Dolphins players and GM executives were among the attendees at the NFL fundraiser. The trucks were filled with water and supplies donated by Florida GMC dealers and their surrounding communities.

John Montford, GM Foundation Chairperson, reinforced President Clinton’s call, saying:

Immediate needs in Haiti include basic supplies and reliable transportation that can handle rugged and mountainous terrain.

Thirty of America’s best-selling pickups will certainly help alleviate some of the suffering endured by the Haitian people. Per the request of Edmond Mulet, acting head of the UN Peacekeeping effort in Haiti, the trucks will arrive in Haiti in mid-February. The former President’s foundation will transport the trucks to the island.

Founded in 2000, the GM Foundation has facilitated millions of dollars in donations for disaster relief efforts across the globe. The Foundation leverages The General’s global resources to direct vehicles, personnel, and supplies to non-profit organization assisting in local relief efforts. This logistical contribution is in addition to a $100,000 contribution and the money that resulted from auctioning a donated Corvette at this year’s Barrett Jackson Auction.