Hon Hai donates NT$20 million to Hualien flood relief efforts

Taipei, Oct. 3 (CNA) Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. on Friday announced donations totaling more than NT$20 million (US$658,026), along with additional measures to support relief efforts following the recent deadly flooding in Hualien County.

In a news release, Taiwan-based manufacturing giant, known globally as Foxconn, announced several major initiatives to support those affected by the Sept. 23 disaster.

Effective immediately, employees or their immediate family members whose household registration or mailing address is in the severely affected areas of Hualien are eligible to apply for up to five days of paid leave and return home for the recovery efforts there, the company said.

Besides this, employees who have no immediate family members affected but still wish to help out can join various volunteer groups and receive up to three days of paid leave per application, provided they submit the required documentation to the company, Hon Hai said.

Also, Hon Hai announced it will partner with Sharp (Taiwan) Electronics Corp. to support disaster victims by purchasing and donating Sharp-branded home appliances valued at approximately NT$17 million, including washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, fans and televisions.

The donations will be handled by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Hon Hai said, noting that affected Hualien residents can apply for any of those items through the ministry after eligibility is confirmed.

The appliances will be allocated based on the level of damage and needs, while free installation will be provided to help ease the living difficulties of local residents, it added.

Additionally, Hon Hai Education Foundation said after consulting with the Hualien County Department of Education, an initial survey showed that there were 311 preschool, elementary and junior high school students in Guangfu Township whose homes have been affected by the flooding.

The foundation said it will donate NT$10,000 per student, totaling NT$3.11 million, to help cover costs for backpacks, textbooks, uniforms, sneakers and other necessities. It added that the funds will be distributed through schools and designated specifically for this purpose, ensuring that the aid reaches the students who need it most.