AES supports Arlington relief efforts through $75,000 contribution
Today The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) stepped up to provide immediate relief to hundreds of families who are struggling to put food on their tables as a result of the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. A $25,000 contribution from the AES Fund at the Arlington Community Foundation will be split equally between affordable housing nonprofits APAH and AHC. This will allow the two organizations to provide $100 grocery gift cards to a combined total of 250 low-income households in their apartment buildings. This grant is the first tranche of a $75,000 total commitment from AES to the Arlington Community Foundation.
“Improving lives is at the core of our mission, and we take pride in serving the communities where we operate,” said Andrés Gluski, AES President and CEO. “Many households are facing incredible challenges at the moment, and we are grateful to partner with the Arlington Community Foundation to directly address some of the most pressing needs in our community.”
“Our residents are struggling to feed their families as the economic fallout from this health crisis continues to create instability in the home,” said Nina Janopaul, President and CEO of APAH. “AES’ support allows us to provide both immediate relief and flexibility in our support of the right-now needs of the people living in our communities.”
“AES’ decision to support grocery gift cards shows great sensitivity to the real needs of those who are facing a personal crisis in our community,” said Jennifer Endo, Vice President of Community Relations at AHC Inc. “Giving people the opportunity to go to a store and select the ingredients needed to make the meals that suit their families best provides necessary food, but also comfort and dignity. Introducing choice into the lives of our low-income residents at a time when so much feels out of their control is good for the body and the soul.”
This grant marks the first of several investments AES intends to make in Arlington, where the Fortune 500 company’s headquarters employs about 200 people. At least $50,000 of additional support will be deployed in Arlington this year to support pressing issues facing Arlington in the midst of this rapidly evolving crisis.
“We are grateful that AES has selected the Arlington Community Foundation as its partner in giving, taking advantage of our bird’s-eye view of the nonprofit landscape and knowledge of the greatest needs facing our community to make informed decisions about their charitable investments,” said Jennifer Owens, President and CEO of the Arlington Community Foundation. “Helping companies like AES to create and implement locally grounded charitable strategies is an important part of our mission. Today’s gift to APAH and AHC is just the beginning.”
