Google Steps In After San Bruno Explosion

Google often steps in when disaster strikes, helping people in Chile, China, Haiti, and Pakistan (among many other places) to date. And now that fire’s claimed several lives and many homes in San Bruno, California, the company’s trying to render assistance again.

A quick note in case anyone with friends or family members at Google is reading: a post on the Official Google Blog explained that "no Google employee was hurt" even though "[t]his disaster strikes close to home; our YouTube offices are about two miles away from the main gas explosion."

Otherwise, one significant way in which Google’s helping people who have been affected is with a substantial donation. The company gave an "initial amount" of $50,000 to the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, since it’s closely involved with relief efforts.

Also, Laszlo Bock, Vice President of People Operations, wrote, "We’re directing Googlers to the local blood drives today and will be hosting blood drives in our San Bruno, Mountain View and San Francisco offices early next week."

Then there’s the simple matter of Google doing what it can to get other organizations and individuals involved. Between the corporate blog post and a couple of tweets, it’s possible that Google will bring the situation to the attention to several million people.

There are 2 Comments. Add Yours.

Bob
September 12, 2010 at 4:58 pm

As Robin Williams would say, “Way to go Google, way to go!”. Now, what was the catch? There is always a nasty catch with Google. Like Chris Tucker would say, “fool, I’m living ghetto fabulous because there is always a rich white dude at the top pulling them strings”. Haven’t read your article though.

I just know there is a catch somewhere. Like Tina Turner would say: “You better get your s…t out of the house because Ike (the hurricane) doesn’t do anything nice”.

Bob
Craig
September 13, 2010 at 9:16 am

Oh look, it’s Bob, the magic parrot quote machine who can’t be bothered to read what is going on and instead judges issues based on quotes from others.

Way to go Bob! You’re not thinking just as your sound-bite ruling government wants you not to!

Companies of any size have a commitment to the communities in which they live and Google is just living up to its commitment as Microsoft and other large globe spanning companies do. Whether on the other side of the world or closer to home, it is good to see multi-nationals stepping in and stepping up.