Technology is essential in keeping us informed, connected, and safe during an emergency. Tech companies are also stepping up to help people in need by donating money, supplies, and other critical items. Learn how tech is assisting those impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises in this week’s Tech At Work.
Uber to Donate Up to $2 Million to Support Afghan Refugees
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi’s family fled his home country of Iran when he was a child. Now, Uber is committed to helping Afghan refugees by donating $1 million to support refugee resettlement programs. The company also launched an in-app donation button and plans to match up to $1 million of the money raised by it. Uber is also updating its app to help Afghan refugees overcome language barriers and make it easier to access economic opportunities.
Amazon Delivers More Than 140,000 Supplies to Communities Affected by Hurricane Ida
Amazon’s Disaster Relief Hub immediately responded to the destruction caused by Hurricane Ida by donating more than 140,000 emergency-aid supplies to those in need. The company pre-positioned over 500,000 emergency supplies as well as logistical support. Within 72 hours, employees loaded trucks and transported water, hygiene items, diapers, wipes, and other supplies to people impacted in areas of Louisiana.
Facebook is donating $3 million for refugee resettlement and humanitarian aid in Afghanistan to local and international organizations. Facebook also played a role in a relief effort that helped 175 citizens, including Facebook employees, flee Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country.
Natural disasters can upend victims’ personal finances. NerdWallet is offering advice on how to be strategic when rebuilding after a crisis. The company provided a roadmap of how to respond through tips on what to do first, who to contact, how to seek a pause on certain loans, and other services that can help keep finances on track.
AT&T’s FirstNet Expands Support for First Responder Health & Wellness
AT&T’s FirstNet is committed to supporting first responders and their mental health. FirstNet, a broadband network designed with and for first responders, is underwriting the development of the Quell Foundation’s first responder mental health preparedness and training program, the 9/11 Ride of Hope, and an upcoming documentary to raise awareness of mental health and first responders.
Verizon Donates to Recovery Efforts, Helps Restore Service to Communities Impacted by Wildfires
Google Donates $4 Million to Support Afghan Refugees and Increase Access to information
Teladoc is Providing Free Virtual Healthcare Services to Those Impacted by Hurricane Ida
Toyota Financial Services Offers Payment Relief to Customers Affected by Hurricane Ida
FWD.us Helps Raise Funds to Support Afghan Women, Girls, and Families Seeking Refuge
What’s New in Tech
Motional Reveals New Fully-integrated, Production-ready Autonomous Vehicle: the IONIQ 5 Robotaxi
Motional revealed its first fully-integrated, production-ready autonomous vehicle (AV) to provide a safe driverless robotaxi service. It marks a major milestone in Motional’s roadmap toward changing how the world moves. The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is a fully-electric, midsize crossover utility vehicle that features SAE Level 4 autonomy and is capable of being mass-produced, which will enable Motional’s rideshare partners to provide safe, reliable, and accessible robotaxi service to a broad consumer base.
What We’re Saying
TechNet Applauds the Passage of a Renewable Energy, Climate Bill in Illinois
TechNet’s Tyler Diers Appointed to Illinois’ Future of Work Task Force
TechNet’s Meghan Pearce Promoted to Federal Policy Manager
Before You Start Your Weekend
It’s been 20 years since September 11, 2001. AT&T is paying tribute to their employees who ran into action and sharing their incredible stories from that devastating day.
