A Steadfast Helping Hand
We call it a safety net — a place to turn if you face an unexpected financial crisis. In the past few weeks, many in our LS&Co. community have found themselves literally in the eye of the storm. Our stores in Houston, Florida and Mumbai were closed for multiple days, and several of our colleagues faced immediate and direct damages to their homes.
The Red Tab Foundation (RTF) — funded by employee donations — has been on the front lines supporting our colleagues and helping to alleviate the impact of these storms. So far, RTF has funded hotel stays for employees whose homes were flooded, made sure that rent and utilities were paid for to compensate for unexpected storm-related expenses, and replenished food supplies after lack of power and refrigeration.
The help that RTF is able to provide following the tumult of a disaster goes a long way. “Red Tab has been an incredible resource,” said District Manager Steve Nelson. “When RTF helped out so quickly with support, the response was disbelief.”
But what sets RTF apart is that we’re in it for the long haul. RTF will continue to provide support long after the immediate needs of the disaster have passed. This includes stepping in to cover costs that insurance won’t — car repairs and cleaning, replacement of household goods and clothing — in addition to repairing and rebuilding homes.
Our colleagues across the globe have been spreading the word about RTF to those in need, but if you know anyone who still needs help, please tell them to reach out via email or call 1-800-544-5498.
The reason RTF is able to provide this lifeline of support is all thanks to donors like you. Support for Red Tab has been steadily climbing in recent years. Today, nearly 50 percent of our employees contribute to RTF. And though donations have increased, so has employee need. This year we expect to receive 35 percent more grant requests from employees than three years ago. The need and the mission of RTF has never been more relevant.
We are especially proud of our ability and dedication to providing continuous care, but we can’t do it without each and every one of you. You can donate to RTF through payroll deduction or any number of options that will be highlighted via the annual RTF giving campaign that kicks off in a few weeks. In the meantime, know that RTF is stepping up and helping our friends and colleagues around the world who are facing real challenges behind the headlines.