Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces aid donated to New York by PepsiCo and Wal-Mart in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. (Credit: CBS 2)
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — PepsiCo and Wal-Mart have stepped up to donate supplies to the state of New York in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday was encouraging other corporations to do the same.
PepsiCo executive vice president and chief financial officer Hugh Johnston said Sunday that the company had donated 50 trailer loads of products, including Gatorade, Tropicana, Quaker Oats, Pepsi and Lays items, to storm victims.
“We couldn’t be prouder to help the region in its time of need,” Johnston said.
Meanwhile, Wal-Mart has pledged $1.5 million in donations of in-kind products, executive vice president and chief operating officer Gisel Ruiz said at the news conference.
“You might think some of these products might look a little bit basic, but you can’t underestimate the importance of products such as cleaning supplies,” Ruiz said.
Sixty pallets of dry food products for those who may still be without power have also been distributed. Pallets of toys for affected children are also being shipped out, Ruiz said.
“We’re glad to just take a small part in the help that we’re able to provide the citizens of New York under this state of desperate need,” she said.
The National Guard will distribute the products from PepsiCo and Wal-Mart, Cuomo said, adding that he is encouraging other corporations also to issue donations.
“We encourage other corporations to step up to the plate and follow the lead of Wal-Mart and PepsiCo,” he said.
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GJ - I was at the Walmart Saturday Morning Meeting when they played the tape of Governor Cuomo thanking Walmart for the instant aid they provided during Hurricane Sandy. Cuomo looked as if he were dropping out of the race for president or announcing his retirement.
I said to LI - "That ton of crow he is eating - it's going down hard." We saw Gisel honored by Mike Duke, the CEO. She had the pleasure of being there for the video-op after arranging the transfers. Walmart brings in cases of free water, arranges for a giant BBQ from Johnsonville, and keeps the stores open. The FEMA center closed "on account of weather." The Walmarts and Sam's Clubs stayed open and never ran out of gasoline. Logistics brought in generators by the truckload.
Walmart also honored veterans, hosting Senator John McCain, who gave a humorous, self-deprecating, and inspirational speech. He told of a fellow prisoner who sewed a flag into his shirt so they could say the Pledge of Allegiance every day. When he was discovered and beaten severely, the same man got out of his cot and began sewing a new one.
Viet Nam vets have been very successful in American life. Walmart often honors our veterans, not just once a year. They have formal ceremonies in their office buildings, too, such as the Marines' birthday.
McCain went to downtown Bentonville for the Veterans Day ceremonies there, too.
