Amazon helps ALAN raise $75,000 in matching funds

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), which connects supply chain management resources with groups helping disaster-recovery efforts, said Oct. 5 that it raised $75,000 during a 24-hour period last week with the help of a well-heeled friend: Amazon.com Inc.

Keynoting the second day of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals' annual global meeting in San Diego on Sept. 29, Dave Clark, senior vice president of worldwide operations and customer service for the Seattle-based e-tailer, pledged $25,000 of company funds to ALAN's efforts, and said Amazon would match contributions made within 24 hours dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. The other contributions brought the total to $75,000.

Kathy Fulton, ALAN's executive director, said the group was stunned by Clark's pledge, of which the group was unaware when he took the stage. "I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Amazon and our partners who contributed to this fundraiser," said Fulton. "These funds will enable ALAN to continue our work of coordinating logistics and supply chain services, education, and connections throughout the disaster cycle."

The fundraiser took place during the 10th anniversary of ALAN's founding. At the 2005 CSCMP annual conference, there was much discussion about the damage that had been wreaked by Hurricane Katrina, which had slammed into the U.S. Gulf Coast, killing more than 1,800 and causing more than $108 billion in property damage. The disaster prompted an outpouring of donations from people, businesses, and organizations throughout North America. However, the donations couldn't be distributed efficiently because there was no system in place to handle a relief effort of such magnitude.

"A group of industry leaders determined that there was a tremendous need for an organization like ALAN to bring together coordination, access to industry and government agency connections, and building relationships," said Fulton. "Hence, the concept of ALAN was conceived at that CSCMP event."

Today, ALAN represents 23 professional supply chain associations and serves as a liaison between business and disaster responders worldwide.

For more information about the American Logistics Aid Network, or to donate to support its work, visit www.ALANaid.org.