LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum! Brands Inc., parent company of the Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell, Long John Silver's and A&W brands, has donated $2.3 million for disaster relief in China following the country's worst earthquake in the past 30 years, the company has announced. The company is also working directly with local officials to provide assistance, including volunteer efforts, food, clothing and other emergency needs.
Funds were distributed to the China Poverty Alleviation Foundation via Mercy Corps, the China Charity Federation and China Red Cross to assist employees, customers, families and residents in the affected areas. The donations help emergency workers respond quickly to needs by providing critical supplies such as food, water, medical care and shelter. Funds also will help long-term recovery and reconstruction including counseling and youth education.
"Our hearts go out to all those affected by this devastating tragedy and we are working around the clock in China to help the community during this difficult time," said David C. Novak, CEO of Yum Brands.
There were no casualties reported among employees of the company's 2,640 KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in mainland China. A limited number of restaurants have been damaged, including several that remain closed or with limited service. The company plans to reopen them as soon as it is safe to do so.
