Boeing to donate $2 million for quake relief efforts in Japan

Boeing, one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, announced on Wednesday that it would support the quake relief works in Japan that has seen extreme devastation along its northeastern coast since Friday, with fires raging and parts of some cities under water after a massive earthquake and tsunami that claimed thousands of lives.

Boeing and its employees will contribute $2 million to assist with recovery efforts, the company said in a statement.

Through the generosity of our employees and funds provided by the company, we will support immediate needs for emergency supplies, food and medical care through the American Red Cross and help ease the enormous task of longer-term recovery and reconstruction, Jim McNerney, chairman, president and CEO of Boeing said.

The funds will come from The Boeing Company Charitable Trust and employee contributions, Boeing said, adding that the company is in discussions with relief agencies and other groups to determine how the company's portion of the contribution can best be used to support recovery efforts.

Contributions from Boeing's U.S.-based and international employees will go directly to the American Red Cross relief efforts.

While all of us at Boeing are saddened by the loss of life and unimaginable destruction in this tragedy, we are deeply moved by the strength and resolve of the Japanese people, McNerney said.

According to the company's officials, Boeing directly employs more than 200 people in Japan and has long-standing relationships with commercial and government customers, suppliers and industry partners, and various universities and community organizations.