We are deeply saddened by the news of the floods in Central Texas. With such devastating destruction and loss, countless individuals, families and communities urgently need help in so many ways. Our hearts are with you and all those whose lives are forever changed by this tragedy.
We also recognize that the need for us to come together and support each other has never been greater. We’ve provided a number of critical resources that you can draw on over the coming months.
An unprecedented event
In just a few hours, more than 100 billion gallons of rain fell over Kerr County—enough to fill over 150,000 Olympic-size swimming pools or flood a football field 50-feet deep.
Relief resources
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Optimus Foundation
Our ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Optimus Foundation in the US is directly supporting emergency response, relief and reconstruction activities in Texas through our partnership with and . These organizations support the provision of meals to affected families and focus on immediate debris removal and longer-term rebuilding efforts, respectively, in Kerr and Tom Green counties in Texas.
Employees and clients can support these organizations and pool funds, together with Optimus, to increase their ability to respond and support communities in Texas. In addition, any client donation to one of our Optimus partners will receive a 10% match from ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ. We’re happy to answer your questions about how to support our partners working on relief efforts in Texas.
The ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Optimus Foundation is a global network of separately organized and regulated, tax-exempt, charitable organizations, founded and managed by ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ, that makes grants and other financial contributions to implementing partner organizations aligned with their values and objectives.
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Bank USA Natural Disaster Relief Program
We also want to make you aware of our ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Bank USA Natural Disaster Relief Program, which provides support for our clients impacted by FEMA-declared major disasters. The program offers:
- Payment relief for ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Mortgages and ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ credit cards
- Preferred rates on ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Premier Credit Lines, offered by ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Bank USA, to support bridge financing for short-term liquidity needs
Matching gifts program
In addition, through the ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Matching Gifts Program, eligible US & Puerto Rico employees can match their charitable donations of USD 50 or more to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dollar-for-dollar, up to an aggregate of USD 2,500 per calendar year. Employees can support any eligible nonprofit of their choice.
Please see our guide, What to do if your home is impacted by a natural disaster, for help navigating the recovery process.
We’re ready to help
Whether you need assistance or seek to help others, please contact your ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Financial Advisor.