Miami, Fla. (January 28, 2021) – In support of their work to keep families safe and healthy during the pandemic, Amazon is pleased to present United Way with $500,000 for its Miami-Dade and Broward County organizations. During this unprecedented health and economic crisis, Amazon is dedicated to helping its neighbors and the communities in which it operates, and these United Way organizations have provided essential items and resources to the most vulnerable in the community.
Key Quotes
“We have seen firsthand the hardships our community is facing through the COVID-19 emergency response efforts we began last March. The economic impacts of the pandemic have only served to exacerbate our community’s needs. Amazon’s partnership fuels our ability to provide a hand up to neighbors in need and continue to help our community thrive, while also allowing us to play a role in our community’s recovery.” – Maria C. Alonso, President and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade
“We are so thankful to Amazon for recognizing the critical need for these funds and providing this generous gift that will help us support the most vulnerable in our community during these times. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 50 percent of Broward County households were the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or living below the federal poverty level. Unfortunately, this number is growing exponentially as we continue to navigate the pandemic. These dollars are greatly needed and will have a direct impact on so many of our neighbors who are desperate for support.” – Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County
“United Way once again has played a pivotal role throughout this crisis connecting struggling residents and families with resources and support. We are grateful for this investment that will go directly to help the most vulnerable in our community weather this crisis and access critical relief.” – Mayor Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County
“I’d like to thank Amazon for your generous donation to the United Way of Broward County, which will go a long way towards helping the United Way fulfil its mission to help those most vulnerable. I am extremely happy to see members of our business community, such as Amazon, investing in our community to help those in need.” – Mayor Steve Geller, Broward County
“We are thankful for the collaboration that Amazon is doing to our community. United Way is an instrumental organization for the citizens of Miami and their job is invaluable.” – Mayor Francis Suárez, City of Miami
“The United Way of Broward County continues to help our community in extraordinary ways during these very difficult times. We are very grateful that Amazon has made such a tremendous contribution to the United Way to help provide better health care programs and financial stability for the residents of Fort Lauderdale and beyond.” – Mayor Dean J. Trantalis, City of Fort Lauderdale
“Amazon’s investment in the United Way of Broward County reinforces the company’s exemplary commitment to corporate citizenship by bringing not only jobs and capital investment to our community through economic development projects, but also supporting the social safety net and amplifying the ability of local nonprofits to help those who need it most.” – Bob Swindell, President/CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
“South Floridians are struggling to support their families while staying safe, and Amazon is committed to doing what we can to ensure they get the resources they need. We’re honored to support both United Way of Miami-Dade and United Way of Broward County, and we’re inspired by the incredible work they are doing to help our neighbors.” – Brian Huseman, Vice President of Public Policy at Amazon
Amazon’s donation comes at a critical time for these United Ways, as we respond to unrelenting demands for services due to the social and economic upheaval of the past year; the ongoing health crisis from the pandemic; and the uncertainty surrounding additional federal aid to help those in crisis. These much-needed resources will enable these United Way to continue and, in many cases, expand, services to millions of people in need.
United Way has been on-the-ground in South Florida providing services for those facing hardship, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. From direct financial assistance to pay utilities, to supporting local food banks, United Ways have found their resources strained and struggling to meet this increased demand. These donations are not only a lifeline for these communities, they can help both United Ways to begin to reimagine and rebuild their communities so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
With more than 30,000 employees in Florida, Amazon has long been committed to giving back to the community. This donation is part of Amazon’s commitment to helping communities at this critical time both here in Florida and across the globe. For more information on ways Amazon is giving back, please visit About Amazon.
- January 28, 2021
- January 28, 2021
