Lilly makes donation to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

Lilly has announced a programme of charitable donations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which has had a devastating impact on many parts of the US.

The company's Lilly Foundation will be providing $200,000 (125,200 pounds) to the American Red Cross to assist relief efforts that are currently taking place in affected areas.

Moreover, the foundation has pledged to directly match any donations made by Lilly employees to the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

The organisation said it is committed to doing what it can to help the many millions of people across the east coast of the US that have been left without homes or crucial infrastructure for living.

Robert Smith, president of the Lilly Foundation, said: "It's our privilege at Lilly to support relief organisations such as the American Red Cross, which will deliver crucial assistance to those in need in the days, weeks and months ahead."

Last week, the company strengthened its commitment to corporate ethics further with appointment of Melissa Barnes as its new chief ethics and compliance officer and senior vice-president of enterprise risk management.