BSR Insight | The Corporate Role in Disaster Relief
Haiti's devastating earthquake reinforces the critical role for business in disaster relief. Companies can provide immediate help and invest in long-term recovery efforts based on the "build it better" approach.
To prepare for and deliver a rapid response to disasters, we recommend companies take the following steps:
- Build relationships with on-the-ground relief organizations. Learn each other's business models, identify complimentary competencies and common goals, and clarify roles.
- Execute a two-pronged contribution strategy. Contribute to an emergency relief organization to meet immediate and basic needs (public-facing companies can encourage customers to donate online or at their stores), and make another contribution to support longer-term efforts to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, education systems, access to health care, and more.
- Move beyond cash donations. Ask local experts what victims need and determine what your company can provide to have the biggest impact.
For more information, listen to our webinar on corporate approaches to disaster relief, or read how some of your peers are taking action.
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