January 18, 2010 - Caterpillar Inc. is supplying money and equipment to help the disaster relief efforts in Haiti, Aggregate Research has reported.

Already the company, through its dealer network, is assisting in search and rescue efforts by mobilizing equipment, personnel and other resources to help government and other agencies, the company said.

"Our dealer network already has been keeping us well informed of the situation there and where we can help," said company spokeswoman Bridget Young.

The Caterpillar Foundation is making an initial contribution of $200,000 to international Red Cross and Red Crescent relief efforts. The foundation, said Young, will continue to monitor the long-term recovery needs of the region and may provide additional support.

She also said the foundation will match dollar for dollar Caterpillar employee, retiree and Cat dealer employee financial contributions to the Red Cross of up to $100,000. Altogether, the combined disaster relief will equal $400,000.

In addition to this financial contribution, the Caterpillar Foundation has several disaster relief recovery and rebuilding efforts already in place to help immediately when a disaster occurs (funds with Red Cross, World Food Programme, CHF International and Pan American Development Foundation).

"We are continuing to work with these agencies to assess additional needs," the company said.

Young said Caterpillar has long been a company that tries to help when disaster strikes anywhere in the world.

"Team Caterpillar has always pulled together in time of crisis to help those in need, whether it be our employees, the foundation, our dealer network, and the crisis in Haiti in no exception," Young said.

"We have compassion for those affected by this disaster and we have the opportunity, through our foundation and our dealer network, to reach out and help. When we can, we do," she added.