A. O. Smith Corp., a world leader in water heating and water treatment, along with the A. O. Smith Foundation, the company’s charitable arm, has made a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to help support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. With operations across the globe, A. O. Smith believes in helping communities through efforts that focus on health and human services.

According to the American Red Cross website, more than two million people have fled Ukraine to nearby countries and an estimated 18 million — one-third of the country’s population — will need assistance. Red Cross teams have donated food, water, medical supplies, household items and hygiene parcels to families seeking safety.

“Our Foundation’s leadership agreed unanimously to offer this contribution as a small gesture to provide basic human necessities — food, water, shelter, medical care — to those affected,” said Kevin Wheeler, A. O. Smith chairman, president and CEO. “The Foundation deeply believes in giving back to our communities, and while the company doesn’t have operations there, it is impossible not to have compassion for those suffering in Ukraine.”

In addition to the Foundation’s direct financial support, A. O. Smith has also partnered with the American Red Cross to create a donation microsite to assist our employees in making personal contributions to the relief efforts if they choose.

The A. O. Smith Foundation is committed to making our communities a better place to live and work by partnering with and supporting nonprofit organizations around the world. Established in 1955, the Foundation has provided more than $50 million in financial support for worthwhile organizations, institutions and programs.