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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear announces $20,000 donation from Taiwan to the American Red Cross in Kentucky
Funds are humanitarian gift to help clean up recent storm, flood damage
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear today announced a $20,000 donation from representatives of the government of Taiwan to aid in the clean up of recent storm and flood damage in numerous Kentucky counties. The gift will be donated to the American Red Cross to assist in that organization’s disaster relief efforts in Kentucky.
“I am pleased to receive this token of esteem from the Taiwanese government to help with restoration efforts in many areas of the Commonwealth,” Gov. Beshear said. “The generosity they have shown in our time of need will help our local communities repair the effects of this natural disaster.”
The Governor was joined by representatives of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office located in Atlanta.
“My colleagues and I at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office have been following reports of the severe damage caused by the storms and floods in your great state,” said Anna A. Kao, director general of the office. “We also regret that your state suffered a large amount of property damage.”
Severe storms hit Kentucky in late April and early May, causing widespread damage and flooding in more than half the state’s counties. Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency on April 25, and teams from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) remain in Kentucky to coordinate damage assessments and relief with local officials.
“Taiwan and Kentucky have enjoyed long, cordial and mutually beneficial relationship; a friendship that continues to strengthen with each passing year,” Kao said. “Taiwan would like to be a responsible stakeholder and a humanitarian aid provider in the international community.”
Keith Alvey, CEO of the American Red Cross Chapter in Louisville, accepted the gift, and said gifts like these help the agency respond quickly to community needs after natural disasters. The Louisville chapter’s coverage area includes the majority of Kentucky counties most affected by the spring storms.
“I can’t express our gratitude enough for this generous gift from the people of Taiwan. The American Red Cross in Kentucky has worked with hundreds of families devastated by the recent floods; it is truly remarkable to see compassion from around the world put into action right here in the Commonwealth,” Alvey said.
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