Anchorage Chamber Of Commerce: Matson Launches New Community Environmental Program In Anchorage

Press release from Anchorage Chamber of Commerce :

May 14, 2021

Provides micro grants for community cleanup, riverbank and land rehabilitation
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — As part of its corporate focus on protecting the environment and improving the quality of life in the communities it serves, Matson has launched a new program that partners with nonprofits to care for the environment.
 
The Caring for Alaska program donates up to $2,500 to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that organize and conduct community cleanup, riverbank and land rehabilitation, and small infrastructure improvement projects, such as trail maintenance, in Anchorage, Kodiak, and Unalaska.

“As a company serving some of the most pristine environments in the world, Matson has long taken a leadership role in promoting environmental stewardship in our business practices and community service activities,” explained Bal Dreyfus, Senior Vice President, Alaska. “We’re excited to launch the Caring for Alaska program, which will support nonprofits while promoting visible improvements in our communities.”

In addition to the donations, the new program reimburses organizations for preauthorized expenses associated with projects, such as trash disposal fees, bags, and disposable gloves. Matson also provides safety vests, trash grabbers, and trash carts, and will assist with trash disposal as needed.

Five nonprofits have been awarded grants through the Caring for Alaska program so far, including 9th Annual Ship Creek Cleanup hosted by The Bait Shack; the Alaska Pacific University (APU) Nordic Ski Center for trailhead cleanup at marquee trailheads used by the community and APU ski programs year-round; the Anchorage Running Club for clean up along two miles of the Campbell Creek trail system; the Anchorage Parks Foundation for its series of projects throughout the summer; and the Anchorage Waterways Council for its annual creek cleanups.

Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for the Caring for Alaska program at: matson.com/foundation/caring-for-alaska. Applications are considered on a continuous basis with priority given to projects along coastlines, rivers, and watersheds. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the proposed project date.
 
About Matson
Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services.  Matson provides a vital lifeline to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia.  Matson also an international export service from Dutch Harbor to Asia. Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com.

This press release was produced by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed are the author's own.