SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — As North Carolina recovers from flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew, PotashCorp is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross of eastern North Carolina, which continues to support intensive relief efforts in the area.

PotashCorp employs approximately 800 people at its phosphate mine and processing plant in Aurora, near the state’s east coast. The operation weathered the storm without significant damage.

Low-lying areas in eastern North Carolina were deluged with more than 1 foot of rain during Hurricane Matthew, causing rivers to overflow. A few days later, run-off from other areas made its way downstream, pushing river levels even higher. Sadly, 28 people were killed after being swept away by floodwaters.

As the rising water reached homes, thousands of people were forced into shelters operated by the Red Cross and its partners. By the end of October, they had provided more than 33,000 overnight stays in shelters in eastern North Carolina, with four shelters still open. During the emergency, the Red Cross of eastern North Carolina mobilized more than 2,500 workers and 13 mobile kitchens; with its partners it served more than 791,000 meals and snacks. It also dispatched 111 emergency response vehicles and distributed more than 18,000 cleanup and comfort kits. The cleanup kits include mops, scrub brushes and cleaning solutions, while the comfort kits provide personal toiletries.

“When disaster strikes, communities pull together,” said Jochen Tilk, PotashCorp’s president and CEO. “Thousands of people have had their lives turned upside down. We wanted to help out our neighbors as they begin to move forward from this catastrophe.”

PotashCorp-Aurora also donated coveralls, surgical gloves, hard hats and cleaning supplies as the flooding began. It is matching employee donations to the American Red Cross and other groups supporting flood relief.

“Hurricane Matthew devastated communities in eastern North Carolina. But with PotashCorp’s support, the Red Cross can continue to serve families affected by the storm,” said Tony Jeffreys, chief development officer with the American Red Cross of eastern North Carolina. “Our neighbors count on the Red Cross in times of uncertainty, and this gift will allow the Red Cross to continue to meet families’ needs.”