Tag: 3BL

As a Central Ohio company, it’s part of Bath & Body Works’ long-standing culture to give back to the communities where their associates live and work. That’s why Bath & Body Works is proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to reduce the pollution of lakes and restore streams in the region.

“Central Ohio has been home to Bath & Body Works for more than 34 years, and we’re honored to join The Nature Conservancy and other likeminded companies that are working to protect and preserve this region’s precious water resources,” said Jeff King, Group Vice President and Head of ESG at Bath & Body Works. “We look forward to seeing the progress of this project as we support a brighter future for our local community and planet.”

Bath & Body Works is among four companies providing a combined $1.2 million for the project, which is expected to divert runoff from more than 700 acres of mostly farm fields through a restored wetland. TNC will collaborate with Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District to restore the wetland and expects the effort to begin in early 2026. The project aims to filter and store runoff before it flows into nearby Buckeye Lake by using the restored wetland to naturally filter out the overabundance of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment.

Under the project, water flowing through a straightened agricultural ditch passes through a restored wetland, naturally treating the runoff from farm fields before the water flows downstream to Buckeye Lake. The project builds on the success of past partner efforts that have been effective in reducing nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms in the lake in recent years.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture estimates this project has the potential to remove 6,107 pounds of nitrogen and 315 pounds of phosphorous preventing it from being delivered into Buckeye Lake each year, helping to preserve the health of Ohio waters. It will also serve as an important step in utilizing TNC’s science and local relationships to establish regional priorities for stream and wetland restoration in Central Ohio.

“There are tangible impacts we are experiencing from climate change, including warmer summers and heavier rainstorms, which are washing fertilizers and sediment from farms and into the water creating ideal conditions for harmful algae blooms,” said Adam Lehmann, Central Ohio water manager for TNC in Ohio. “Wetlands act as nature’s kidneys, filtering out excess nutrients and sediment, and by restoring this crucial natural infrastructure, we can help reduce the extent and severity of these algal blooms and improve water quality by using nature as a solution.”

As a global leader in home fragrance and personal care, Bath & Body Works is committed to shaping a future that’s resilient and responsible, creating meaningful impact for a brighter future. Learn more about this initiative here.

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In December, we told you about how restaurants in Petaluma, California, swapped our single-use cups for reusable purple ones. It was all part of our partnership with Closed Loop Partners‘ Center for the Circular Economy in the Petaluma Reusable Cup Project. It’s the first initiative to make “reuse” the default option in a U.S. city! 

Recently, Closed Loop Partners released its findings from the Petaluma project. You can read the full report here but before you dive in, we want to highlight a cause for celebration: enough customers successfully returned the purple cups during the project to make the reusable system a more environmentally friendly option than the single-use alternative. Maybe the key to a greener Earth is, in fact, a purple cup!

AEG, the world’s largest sports and live entertainment company, celebrated Women’s History Month with a series of events led by its Women@AEG employee network group (ENG), that were designed to inspire, mentor, and uplift women across the organization.

Throughout the month, employees in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York and Pittsburgh participated in assembling EmpowerHer Kit for women in underserved communities. The kits included feminine hygiene products and handwritten notes of empowerment that were distributed to young girls locally.

On March, 5, 2025, the ENG hosted a special Women’s History Month Futures event, as part of the AEG Futures Career Exploration program, where female college students in the Los Angeles area could learn first-hand from industry professionals. The event took place at Crypto.com Arena, where female professionals from across AEG shared valuable insights into their field and helped guide the budding professionals on their career journey. Participants received tickets to enjoy an LA Kings game after the Futures event.

On March 6, 2025, Women@AEG partnered with FEMME HOUSE to host Legacy of Sound: Women Inspiring Future Generations, a roundtable discussion for employees at Coke Studio at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA. The panel featured LP Giobbi, artist and FEMME HOUSE Co-Founder, Lo Spalding, FEMME HOUSE Co-Founder, Alicia Karlin, VP of AEG Presents Global Touring, and Lara Fox, VP of Global Partnerships, AEG Presents. Each panelist discussed their unique contributions to creating a more inclusive music industry and provided insights on equity, mentorship, and professional growth.

“I am proud of the work we are doing at AEG, a company where women’s voices are amplified and their accomplishments are recognized,” said Moon Kim, Women@AEG Leadership, Co-Chair. “Through our Women’s History Month programming, from networking events to career development programs, our goal is to create opportunities for growth and empowerment for all women.”

The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) was launched in 2021 to help provide a framework for organizations to report and act on their nature-related risks and opportunities. TNFD was modeled after the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which was created in 2015 by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) as a framework for climate risk assessments.

TCFD quickly gained acceptance, with G&A’s 2024 Sustainability Reporting in Focus research showing that 60% of Russell 1000 reporting companies aligned with TCFD recommendations in 2023, up from 4% in 2019.

Our Top Stories in this issue show that TNFD is gaining increased traction following the release in September 2023 of the organization’s 14 final recommendations for nature-related risk management and disclosure. According to ESG Today, more than 1,700 organizations have joined the TNFD Forum as members and more than 520 companies and financial organizations have committed to begin reporting based on the TNFD recommendations.

The 2024 EY Nature Risk Barometer, surveying more than 350 companies across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, found that 94% of the companies assessed have disclosed against at least one of TNFD’s 14 disclosure pillars. At the same time, though, EY found that overall alignment with TNFD’s recommendations is limited.

Annie Roberts, Senior Vice President of Climate Consulting at G&A Institute, said, “The TCFD was enormously successful and laid the foundation for what are now mandatory climate-related risk reporting requirements in many jurisdictions. I expect TNFD adoption to follow a similar trajectory, with voluntary disclosures building the use case for integrating the TNFD pillars into mandatory reporting. We believe early adopters of TNFD will be better prepared to navigate future changes in reporting requirements.”

To support organizations in fully implementing TNFD reporting, TNFD recently launched two new open-access learning platforms: Learning Lab for self-guided training and Trainer Portal for professional educators.

Tony Goldner, Executive Director of TNFD, said: “Business and finance leaders increasingly realize that the resilience of their business and investment returns depends, in part, on the resilience of nature. The release of these learning tools is further evidence of TNFD’s commitment to equipping market participants with accessible, practical guidance as they look to build the confidence and capacity to take concrete action.”

The need for education and training was apparent as TNFD said its guidance documents were downloaded over 300,000 times in the last year. The Learning Lab will provide nine modules covering TNFD recommendations using videos, case studies, and webinars for professionals at all levels. The Trainer Portal was developed in collaboration with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and offers customizable white-label materials for training providers.

The new platforms were welcomed by TNFD members and other climate organizations. Simon Thompson, Managing Director of Global Capacity Building Coalition, was quoted in ESG News: “These resources provide a user-friendly range of tools to help organizations address nature risks and adopt nature-positive approaches.”

G&A Institute has been closely monitoring the development of the TNFD framework since its launch in 2021. Our team is available to help advise your company incorporate nature-related risk assessments into your overall sustainability disclosure and reporting. For more information contact us at: info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

Will accelerate the development of cutting-edge communication components, systems, and networks, supporting the next generation of wireless technology with a focus on AI and sustainability

SANTA ROSA, Calif., March 24, 2025 /3BL/ – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) is enhancing Europe’s 6G research and innovation landscape by participating in two projects that are a part of the 6G Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU), a research and innovation program co-funded by the European Union (EU).

Keysight plays an active role in advancing 6G, AI, and metrology research in Europe by collaborating with service providers, vendors, research institutes, and universities. Through partnerships, Keysight contributes to crucial EU and government-funded research, as well as innovation and trial programs. These new initiatives are geared towards facilitating the development and deployment of next-generation wireless technologies. By incorporating AI-driven management systems, the projects seek to minimize the environmental impact of network operations, promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.

Keysight is participating in two new 6G SNS projects:

UNITY-6G – which aims to develop an AI-native architecture that seamlessly integrates heterogeneous network domains while prioritizing sustainability, energy efficiency, and scalability.6G-VERSUS – which integrates sustainable technologies across six environmentally conscious industries, using innovative 6G platforms to optimize data and decision-making processes.

These new initiatives will run for three years and augment Keysight’s presence in collaborative European 6G projects, including four current SNS-JU projects: IMAGINE B5G , CENTRIC , 6G-SANDBOX, and 6G-SHINE, as well as others across the region. The Keysight Laboratories team in Aalborg, Denmark, and Malaga, Spain, will actively participate in these projects.

The programs will utilize Keysight‘s advanced solutions across multiple technology domains to help develop smart communication components, systems, and networks. The participating academia, research institutes, and commercial organizations will rely on Keysight’s design, emulation, and test expertise to design prototypes, proofs-of-concept, and testbeds. The public-private partnership will help facilitate and develop industrial leadership in 5G and 6G networks and services in Europe.

Giampaolo Tardioli, Vice President, 6G and Next Generation Technology at Keysight, said: “We are excited to announce our participation in these two new groundbreaking projects, which aim to develop a highly sustainable and scalable AI-native architecture for 6G networks. Our advanced solution expertise will empower stakeholders to ignite significant and sustainable innovation. We are committed to fostering transformation, driving research and development, and promoting knowledge exchange across various sectors and disciplines. Through these partnerships, we will leverage a wealth of expertise and resources to tackle complex challenges and advance cutting-edge technologies.”

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.

Contacts
North America PR Team 
pdl-americas-keysight@keysight.com

Fusako Dohi, Asia 
+81 42 660–2162 
fusako_dohi@keysight.com

Jenny Gallacher, Europe 
+44 118 927 4003 
jenny.gallacher@keysight.com

Lab simulations and testing demonstrate highly accurate, fast fault detection technology designed for grid-edge implementation on utility distribution linesCollaboration among Eaton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research Development Center (ERDC), National Renewable Energy Laboratory and North American utilities drives novel solution Eaton to present on wildfire mitigation technologies at the 2025 DistribuTECH and TechAdvantage industry conferences 

PITTSBURGH, March 24, 2025 /3BL/ – Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced a groundbreaking innovation strengthening wildfire prevention efforts on utility distribution systems. Achieved in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) research and development arm, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and multiple North American utilities, the new Eaton HiZ ProtectTM solution addresses a long-standing challenge for electric utilities: accurately and quickly detecting and mitigating high-impedance (HiZ) powerline faults that could potentially ignite wildfires. Pilot projects with multiple North American utilities are underway to further refine the technology, which is expected to be first available in Eaton’s Form 7 recloser controls. 

Existing grid protection technologies struggle to accurately prevent or identify HiZ faults, prompting utilities to resort to public safety power shutoffs during high-risk conditions. Eaton’s HiZ Protect technology will help strengthen utility wildfire prevention efforts by automatically and accurately identifying and isolating these powerline faults. Under lab-simulated conditions and using real-world grid data from multiple utilities, the Eaton technology detected and de-energized HiZ faults with greater than 90% accuracy. 

“Fortifying the electric grid against the threat of wildfires has never been more important and at Eaton, we’re helping the industry accelerate these efforts through our expansive solutions and research and development efforts,” said Chris Herbst, PhD, Eaton’s vice president of strategic partnerships and innovation. “We work with most utilities across North America and know wildfire prevention efforts are a top priority. In collaboration with USACE ERDC, NREL and multiple U.S. utilities, we’re breaking the boundaries of what electrical systems can do to help protect communities and the environment.” 

HiZ faults, often caused by fallen trees or damaged insulators, are historically difficult to detect due to their low fault current levels and unique characteristics. Eaton’s approach to identifying and mitigating high-impedance faults incorporates three novel elements including, integrated sensors, machine learning and edge-based implementation. The solution can be deployed in grid-edge monitoring and control devices such as Eaton’s Form-7 recloser controls to provide high-fidelity data. This capability is critical in remote areas, where communication infrastructure is limited and the ability to rapidly respond to grid conditions is essential.

“It is critically important be able to identify fault situations and take action to de-energize impacted power lines and curtail risk of wildfire to protect people and property, including military and utility systems,” said Nathan Peterson, electrical engineer at the USACE ERDC Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). “We believe Eaton research, development and commercialization of high impedance fault detection technology offers immense opportunity to fortify the grid by quickly and reliably delivering the data needed to improve wildfire detection and mitigation at the grid edge.” 

The Eaton solution was developed through extensive research on the unique fault signatures of high-impedance events on the grid and precise measurement of variables such as tree species, soil types and environmental conditions. Hundreds of simulations and field experiments were conducted at Eaton’s Thomas A. Edison Test Center in Franksville, Wisconsin. Eaton used the data to develop a novel machine learning algorithm capable of reliably predicting and reducing the potential for these powerline faults to initiate wildfires. Today, the company is piloting the technology with utilities and across various geographic conditions to further refine and validate the technology. 

During the 2025 DistribuTECH conference in March 2025, Souvik Chandra, PhD, a senior specialist engineer at Eaton’s Research Labs, will participate in a panel discussion on the strategies utilities are deploying to mitigate wildfire risks, including Eaton’s novel fault detection technology. 

Learn more about Eaton’s approach to wildfire mitigation and read the white paper on harnessing artificial intelligence for high impedance fault detection and mitigation.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.   

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of nearly $25 billion in 2024, the company serves customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

Contact:

Kristin Somers
+1.919.345.3714
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik 
Cobblestone Communications
+1.412.559.1614
Regina@cobblecreative.com 

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Originally posted by Action Against Hunger.

Yemen remains one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises and the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula. While battling economic decline and rising prices, the majority of the Yemeni population lacks access to food, water, and adequate health services. Since 2012, Action Against Hunger programs have been supporting the most vulnerable communities in Yemen.

There has been a decline in the intensity of fighting in Yemen, yet almost half of the population remains food insecure. About 2.7 million pregnant and breastfeeding women need treatment for acute malnutrition, and 55% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition. With limited access to healthcare and vaccines, children are particularly at risk for diseases such as cholera, measles, and diphtheria.

Like five million other displaced Yemenis, Fatma’s family was forced to flee their home because of the conflict and now lives in a makeshift shelter. “When I saw the devastation of our home, I feared for our survival. I took my children in my arms and left,” explains Fatma, a mother of five from the Hodeidah region. Fatma, accompanied by her husband, mother, and children, travelled over one hundred miles to a camp for displaced persons in Al-Musaimeer in the governorate of Abyan. They relied on Fatma’s husband’s income to survive, but an accident left him permanently unable to work. Fully reliant on whatever financial support could be offered by relatives, the family often went to bed hungry.

“One day, my son Ali became so weak that I feared for his life,” said Fatma. “He was born with a healthy weight, but at the age of 10 months, the Action Against Hunger mobile team diagnosed him with severe acute malnutrition. Once at the health unit, the doctors gave him special therapeutic food and monitored him closely. After a difficult nine-day period, I saw him regain his strength. Action Against Hunger covered our transportation costs so we could return for regular check-ups. They also gave us hygiene products and taught us how to prevent malnutrition. Today, Ali is healthy again.”

A humanitarian situation that continues to deteriorate 

After a decade of conflict and successive crises, the number of Yemenis in need of humanitarian aid continues to grow, rising from 18.2 million in 2024 to 19.5 million in 2025. Instability in the Red Sea region has only worsened the humanitarian situation, disrupting shipments of food, fuel and other basic necessities, much of which are imported. It has also threatened the livelihoods of fishermen who provide food for their surrounding regions, and some have had to move in search of new economic opportunities.

Yemen is the third most-affected country in the world by the climate crisis, and it is frequently hit by violent weather phenomena, including torrential rains and devastating floods. In 2024, tens of thousands of people were impacted by the destruction of essential infrastructure by weather catastrophes. For displaced families with no access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation infrastructure, or housing, seasonal floods pose a serious threat and are likely to exacerbate malnutrition and the ongoing cholera epidemic.

Major challenges for humanitarian assistance 

Despite the significant problems associated with humanitarian access, our teams continue to offer communities resources for survival. In 2023 alone, we supported more than 400,000 people. We provide medical support and nutritional treatment to people threatened by malnutrition, as well as clean water to communities to prevent water-borne epidemics such as cholera. Every day, our therapists help patients heal the invisible wounds left by this catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Despite immense needs, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains underfunded. In 2024, only 55.3% of funding targets were met. International donor fatigue has been compounded by the end of US funding, which contributed 35.5% of the humanitarian response in the country in 2024. This sudden cessation of humanitarian aid, coupled with the US government’s rapid dismantling of essential elements of the aid system, undermines efforts to combat malnutrition and increases humanitarian needs among the most vulnerable.

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About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

CLEVELAND, March 24, 2025 /3BL/ – KeyBank is being recognized for its support of small and middle market business clients with twelve 2025 Best Bank Awards in middle market banking and small business. These awards reflect Key’s sophisticated platform and depth of expertise for growth companies as well as its commitment to helping small businesses grow and run better.

KeyBank received the following nine national and regional Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards for middle market banking:

Best Bank – Ease of Doing Business for Middle Market Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Values Long-Term Relationships for Middle Market Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Trust for Middle Market Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Customer Service for Middle Market Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Satisfaction with Cash Management Sales Specialist for Middle Market Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager (RM) for Middle Market Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Advisory Capabilities of Relationship Manager (RM) for Middle Market Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager (RM) for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (Northeast)Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager (RM) for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)

These awards recognize KeyBank’s ability to build trusted relationships with middle market clients, providing them with high quality advice and day-to-day service, that helps them optimize business performance.

“These awards are a testament to the deep trusted relationships we’ve built with our clients and the dedication of the teams that serve them every day,” said Ken Gavrity, President of Key Commercial Bank. “We are honored to be recognized by Greenwich Associates and our clients and remain committed to delivering a best-in-class platform and deep industry expertise that empowers middle market businesses to grow and succeed.”

Learn more about the solutions KeyBank offers to middle market businesses

KeyBank also received the following three national and regional Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards for Small Business Banking:

Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager (RM) for Small Business Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Advisory Capabilities of Relationship Manager (RM) for Small Business Banking in the U.S.Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager (RM) for Small Business Banking in the U.S. (Midwest)

“Our people are the foundation of KeyBank and these awards from Greenwich reflect their expertise and ability to reach out and build relationships with small businesses across the nation,” said Mike Walters, President of Business Banking at KeyBank. “We are committed to providing small businesses with the tools and guidance they need to help them run better and grow in their communities.”

Learn more about how KeyBank helps small businesses

Methodology

Small Business: Awards are based on more than 13,000 interviews with businesses with sales of $1 million –$10 million across the country.

Middle Market Business: Awards are Based on nearly 12,000 interviews with businesses with sales of $10–500 million across the United States.

ABOUT KEYCORP

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at December 31, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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Key Points

Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay refinery, in partnership with Trees For Houston, added 70 native trees to Cooper’s Landing, enhancing its green space and wildlife habitat.The trees were planted during an event in January that brought together refinery employees, contractors, community partners and students.This effort builds on previous initiatives, reinforcing the refinery’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay refinery continues its commitment to environmental stewardship through an ongoing partnership with Trees For Houston, a non-profit dedicated to tree planting and conservation. This January, refinery employees and contractors were joined by community partners and dozens of students and teachers from Texas City Independent School District (TCISD) to plant 70 native trees at Cooper’s Landing, a designated green space within the refinery that serves as a thriving wildlife habitat.

“These trees will provide long-term benefits, from improving air quality to creating a habitat for local wildlife for years to come.”

“Our green spaces play an important role in creating a balanced ecosystem while also providing a welcoming environment for employees,” said Regina Cooper, a senior training specialist at Marathon Petroleum and co-leader of the Galveston Bay refinery’s Wildlife Habitat Team. “Through our partnership with Trees For Houston, we’re not only enhancing the refinery’s landscape but also making a long-term impact on the environment and the local community.”

Building on last March’s collaboration, where volunteers planted 87 native trees within this designated green space that are now thriving and growing taller by the day, this year’s effort further enhances the habitat and reinforces the refinery’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

“Partnering with organizations like Marathon Petroleum allows us to expand our reach and create sustainable green spaces where they are needed most,” said Barry Ward, executive director of Trees For Houston. “These trees will provide long-term benefits, from improving air quality to creating a habitat for local wildlife for years to come.”

Cooper’s Landing, named after a resident breeding pair of Cooper’s hawks, has become a focal point for conservation efforts led by the refinery’s Wildlife Habitat Team. Plans are already underway for future plantings as the team continues its mission to expand green spaces and promote sustainability.

For more information on the refinery’s conservation efforts, visit the Texan by Nature website.

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern United States, leaving destruction in its wake. The Category 4 storm claimed more than 215 lives, making it one of the deadliest storms in the U.S. this century, and left more than 2 million people grappling with power outages and drinking water shortages.

North Carolina was hit the hardest, as the hurricane set the record for the worst flooding in the state’s history. Entire communities were uprooted, and critical infrastructure was destroyed, damages that are still impacting the people of western North Carolina today.

Mark Greene, a resident of western North Carolina, was severely impacted by Helene. His home lost power, which affected his wife, who needs electricity to power her oxygen tank.

“I’ve been through a lot of storms, and this is the worst one I’ve ever seen,” said Mark Greene, a resident of western North Carolina, in October 2024. “My wife is on oxygen 24/7…and we went through all of her reserve oxygen tanks …. She’s been in the hospital ever since.”

Water Mission, a Christian engineering nonprofit, rushed aid to western North Carolina. The disaster response team was on the ground the day after the storm hit, immediately seeking opportunities to partner with the local community to meet needs. The response started in Boone and then expanded to Asheville and its surrounding areas.

Thanks to support from the FedEx Cares Delivering for Good program, Water Mission shipped generators to North Carolina to begin distributing to people in need. Water Mission distributed 1,100 generators to individuals and families, serving more than 3,000 people, including Greene and his wife.

“I just really appreciate the fact that you guys are here to help,” Greene said. “This generator is going to help power my home so I can get my wife back home and comfortable.”

Along with helping people have restored power, Water Mission’s disaster response team brought safe drinking water to those for whom the safety of their well water had been compromised.

Over the course of the response, Water Mission distributed 124,000 emergency water purification packets and installed 19 safe water treatment systems at schools, churches, and community centers. The water systems provided more than 457,000 gallons of safe drinking water for people in need.

The safe water systems installed in three Asheville-area schools met the needs of 3,000 students, allowing them to return to school after weeks of being away.

“The entire Asheville City Schools community is beyond grateful to Water Mission for their support in helping us reopen schools after Helene devastated the city’s municipal water system,” said Maggie Fehrman, the superintendent of Asheville City Schools.

The collaboration with FedEx enabled Water Mission to bring generators and provide safe water for people across western North Carolina, serving more than 112,000 men, women, and children who were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

This post was written by Gregg Dinino, Director of Public Relations at Water Mission. It was originally published on fedexcares.com in recognition of World Water Day, March 22, 2025. Photos provided by Water Mission.