Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation Offers Fundraising Match Challenge

PHOENIX Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold, a leading international mining company headquartered in Phoenix, has generously offered to match every donation up to $125,000, by December 31, 2009, to help Arizonans impacted by disasters. Freeport-McMoRan is committed to the well-being and safety of our communities. By offering to match donations made to Arizonas Red Cross chapters, were hoping to encourage those who can give to help disaster victims in their communities get on the road to recovery by making a donation, said Tracy Bame, president, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation. Most Arizonans are aware that nationally, the American Red Cross helps families devastated by major disasters like floods, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes. What many do not know is that local volunteers respond every day to our most frequent and deadly local disaster home fires right in our own communities. From mining towns to metropolitan areas, Red Cross volunteers respond to a home fire nearly twice a day. Just last year, volunteers from the Grand Canyon and Southern Arizona Chapters responded to 820 home fires providing assistance to more than 3,500 people. While most local disasters dont make headlines like major disasters, their impact on individuals and families is just as tragic. As firefighters battle the blaze, Red Cross emergency responders are there to ensure people have a safe place to sleep and they begin the relief process that provides financial assistance for food, clothing, eyeglasses, medication and other essentials, said Richard White, Southern Arizona Chapter Executive Director. One of the worlds leading copper mining companies, Freeport-McMoRan calls Arizona home with a presence in seven counties. For many years they have been a partner of the Red Cross in supporting families across Arizona and they remain committed to the people and communities of Arizona even during this challenging economic time. This match represents an opportunity to work together to support families in need in your own community and stretch every dollar further. Generous donations from members of our community can make a difference. Help us put this match to work to help Arizonans when they need it most by visiting www.arizonaredcross.org