Pictured: the DTE Energy Asian Middle-Eastern American employee resource group celebrating Diwali, pre-COVID.
COVID-19 has dominated the headlines, and impacted our lives, and livelihoods, for more than a year. Recently, we’ve witnessed the relentless second wave of COVID-19 in India – a place that is near and dear to many of our employees – and members of our communities. As of May 19, there have been at least 25,772,400 COVID-19 cases, with numbers predicted to rise.
Around the world, people and organizations have come together to help with food, medical supplies and more. Considering the impact of this disaster on our colleagues, friends and neighbors – and their loved ones – our company jumped in to help. The DTE Foundation granted $25,000 to support CARE, a global leader within a worldwide movement dedicated to ending poverty.
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“Since the onset of COVID-19, DTE and the DTE Foundation have vowed to do all we can to alleviate pain and suffering,” said Steve Ambrose, vice president and CIO as well as the Asian and Middle Eastern American (AMEA) employee resource group executive champion. “The second wave of COVID-19 in India continues to strain the country’s medical system and people, and has created an opportunity for the DTE Foundation to support recovery in a country that has a deep connection to our employees and communities. We’re grateful to play even a small role in helping India stabilize as the global community – including our Indian colleagues at DTE – continue to fight the pandemic together.”
CARE has over 70 years of experience in providing relief during disasters and delivering large scale health programs on the ground, is well-positioned to support the affected citizens where the need is the greatest. Donations will help set up make-shift COVID facilities, provide essential medical equipment, raise awareness for COVID-appropriate behavior in the area and more.
The DTE Foundation grants come from the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) that the DTE Foundation established with the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to support 501(c)(3) public charities in providing relief to people and families who are the victims of a natural disaster, emergency, act of terrorism, or war. For more than 10 years, the DRF has provided immediate assistance of food, clothing and shelter to the worst-affected victims; helped bring essential organizations and infrastructure back on-line and assisted in the rebuilding of communities.