CHARLESTON, SC – NOV. 24, 2020 – SC Ports is proud to partner with the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, and The Salvation Army of Charleston to distribute more than 500 Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the Lowcountry.
Volunteers from CMA CGM, SC Ports and the Salvation Army distributed more than 80 meal boxes — which should serve up to 500 meals — helping to make the holidays brighter for families during an incredibly difficult year. Each meal box was packed and prepared with food to support families on Thanksgiving Day and beyond.
“We appreciate CMA CGM spearheading this great initiative and inviting us to collaborate,” SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “The pandemic has caused hardships for so many, and it is very meaningful to the SC Ports team to support our community in partnership with the CMA CGM Group and The Salvation Army. We hope these meals provide a little comfort and happiness for families during Thanksgiving.”
This event is part of CMA CGM’s Giving Across America campaign to feed more than 35,000 Americans this Thanksgiving. In partnership with local ports and charitable organizations nationwide, the Group is donating and distributing 10,000 turkeys and thousands of meals in several cities, including: Charleston; Houston; Lake Charles, La.; Los Angeles; Nashville; Norfolk, Va.; and Savannah, Ga.
“CMA CGM plays a critical role in driving the U.S. economy forward, and it is an honor to be able to give back to communities across America, especially during such a challenging time,” said Ed Aldridge, president of CMA CGM America and American President Lines North America. “Our partnership with SC Ports and The Salvation Army of Charleston enabled us to bring Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the Charleston region, and it was an honor to do so.”
This campaign is part of CMA CGM’s continued commitment to the U.S. In the past few months, the Group has also provided critical supplies to several Louisiana communities impacted by Hurricane Laura and provided much-needed firefighting equipment to support relief efforts for the recent California wildfires.
This initiative is also aligned with SC Ports’ efforts to make a positive impact in South Carolina, particularly around food insecurity, environmental initiatives, health and education.
Over the past year, SC Ports has donated $22,000 to the Lowcountry Food Bank, raised $108,000 for the American Heart Association’s 2020 Lowcountry Heart Walk, and awarded $128,500 to charitable organizations through the 2019 Community Giving Program.
SC Ports also collaborated with Wounded Nature – Working Veterans on an oyster restoration project on Drum Island and donated radiators for a recycling initiative with the City of Charleston’s Keep Charleston Beautiful, as part of Trident United Way’s Day of Caring.
About CMA CGM
Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group is a world leader in shipping and logistics. Its 500 vessels serve more than 420 ports across five continents around the world and carried nearly 22 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2019. CMA CGM is constantly innovating to offer customers new maritime, inland and logistics solutions. Present on every continent and in 160 countries through its network of 755 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 110,000 people worldwide, of which 2,400 are in Marseille where its head office is located.
About The Salvation Army of Charleston, SC
Meeting the needs of people in the name of Jesus Christ is the heart of The Salvation Army’s work. We open our arms to serve people who are most desperate for physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Because human needs differ from state to state, city to city, and person to person, we find local solutions through support from the local community. Together, we feed, we shelter, we mentor, we rehabilitate, we rescue victims of human trafficking, we help disaster survivors, we provide hope. We do the most good whenever and wherever we are needed.
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com and read the 2020 Annual Report.