DALLAS, TEXAS - September 8, 2009 - The Aidmatrix Foundation received a $250,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used to assist in the international expansion of the Aidmatrix transportation aid relief program.  The UPS Foundation is also matching this grant with $250,000 in donated transportation.

"The UPS Foundation has seen the tangible impact of the Aidmatrix Network on relief efforts in the U.S. - so we are proud to support this effort to transform relief operations around the globe," said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation.

Aidmatrix currently uses supply chain technology to provide aid relief agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with a tool for collection and distribution of donated items throughout the U.S.  The expansion will use similar technology to simplify and lower the cost of delivery for humanitarian aid around the globe.  Initial deployments will begin in Latin America and Eastern Europe.

"NATO/EADRCC employs Aidmatrix solutions for our civilian disaster relief efforts to help optimize our efforts and maximize relief impact," said Guenter Bretschneider, Head of NATO EADRCC (Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre) based in Brussels, Belgium. "Since transportation is a critical component in our work, we are very excited to learn about the UPS pilot program.  This will definitely help further increase our humanitarian relief efforts."

"As a result of The UPS Foundation's strategic investment, our capacity to transport domestic disaster relief aid has been transformed," said Aidmatrix CEO, Governor Scott McCallum.  "Since its inception, millions of dollars in aid have flowed to those in need. With this next effort, UPS will help to bring this same aid to those in need around the globe." 

The technology and processes built in the Aidmatrix program provide a framework for international NGOs to manage the transportation of commodities worldwide. As more international organizations make use of these solutions, Aidmatrix hopes to become the standard for humanitarian aid.

These improvements also will enable companies like UPS to utilize a single system to manage and report domestic and international in-kind donations.

About the UPS Foundation

Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation's major areas of focus include community safety, nonprofit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, environmental sustainability, and diversity.  The UPS Foundation pursues these initiatives by identifying specific projects where its support can help produce a measurable social impact.  In 2008, The UPS Foundation directed more than $100 million in philanthropy to charitable organizations worldwide.  Visit community.ups.com for more information about UPS's community involvement.

 

About the Aidmatrix Foundation, Inc. 

The Aidmatrix Foundation, Inc. builds and operates powerful technology hubs that support diverse stakeholder groups in their efforts to work together to solve the world's most challenging humanitarian crises. Our solutions enhance participation, amplify contributions, and accelerate results for humanitarian relief.  35,000 leading corporate, nonprofit and government partners leverage solutions to mobilize $1.5 billion annually in global aid with Aidmatrix. The donated goods, money and services impact the lives of 65 million people. Aidmatrix is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA, with offices in Wisconsin, Germany and India.

www.aidmatrix.org

                                                                ###