Kohler Mexico Comes Together to Support Earthquake Victims

Associates rally to help relief efforts
Oct 23, 2017 3:00 PM ET

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City on Sept. 19, killing 369 people, collapsing 38 structures and leaving nearly 200 buildings severely damaged—but through the chaos, goodwill is prevailing

"Landslides, shattered glass, shouts and fear paralyzed all of Mexico," said Claudia Sanchez, Associate Market Analyst – Latin America Engines. "But, as in any crisis situation, Mexicans jumped into action, risking their own lives to help those still buried in rubble."

Rescue efforts began within minutes of the earthquake, with people digging with their bare hands and bringing in machinery to remove debris. To support the effort, Kohler de Mexico (Komex), located in Mexico City, donated generators to the Cruz Roja Mexicana to be distributed to areas most in need. Associates at Komex also organized a food drive for earthquake victims.

More than 1,000 kilometers away, the Kohler Reynosa team started a campaign to collect food, cleaning supplies and personal care items for earthquake-impacted areas. Associate response proved to be overwhelming, and Kohler Reynosa agreed to match whatever is donated by associates to double the plant's contribution.

Kohler's Sanimex team in Monterrey also collected items for the Mexican Red Cross and plans to continue helping.

"The rebuilding efforts are just beginning," said Juan Antonio Rosales, HR Specialist – Sanimex. "We're planning to offer future monetary donations when we learn where they are most needed."