Matson Releases Report on Community Service

Matson Foundation’s 2014 “Manifest,” an annual report that summarizes the previous year’s corportate giving and community service activities in Hawai’i and other regions that Matson conducts business, has been published.

“One of Matson’s core values is to contribute positively to the communities in which we work and live,” said Matt Cox, president and CEO.  “Through the Matson Foundation, we were able to show our support in 2014 for 646 organizations. In total, we contributed $1.8 million in cash and $140,000 of in-kind support.  As a Hawai’i-based corporation that has served the Islands for over 130 years, most of our giving was directed to Hawai’i organizations – with contributions totaling $1.2 million.”

In the report, Matson illustrates the company’s community outreach through brief profiles of non-profits focused on areas such as education, health and human services, disaster preparedness and response, the environment, economic development, maritime, and nutrition.

According to Matson, the company’s service went beyond cash contributions. In their annual report, loans and donations of container equipment were reported.

“In 2014, we were reminded that even paradise is not immune from catastrophes,” Cox commented.  “Matson provided quick disaster relief after Hurricane Iselle and the eruption of the Kilauea volcano devastated parts of Hawai’i Island.  We were able to donate the movement of essential cargo, use of our equipment and the services of our refrigerated containers to supply much needed water and ice to the affected areas.”

Ka Ipu ‘Aina, Matson’s environmental and community relations program, was also mentioned in the report. The program has generated over 1,000 environmental clean-up projects in Hawaii and contributed over $1 million to non-profit groups on the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai since 2001.

“This Manifest highlights the varied accomplishments of 25 charities that Matson is proud to have touched in 2014,” Cox added.  “Their leaders, staff and volunteers have inspired us with their dedication and commitment.  All of us at Matson salute them, along with the hundreds of other non-profits listed in this report, and express our heartfelt thanks for their tireless work in our communities.”