Corning Optical Communications Australia is joining the global effort to help Queensland and Victoria recover from some of the most dangerous and deadly flooding in the country's history.

Recently, Corning gave $25,000 each to the Australian Red Cross and the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal. In addition, employees at the Corning Optical Communications plant in Clayton, near Melbourne, gave nearly $500 in personal contributions.

Through three months of flooding, more than 35 people have died, countless numbers have been injured and tens of thousands have lost their homes.

Add in the furious winds of Cyclone Yasi – which made landfall on Feb. 3 – and Australia has been hit with more than $11 billion in damage since November.

Rainer Dittrich, Managing Director, Corning Optical Communications, Australia, said the response from folks at Clayton has been equally as aggressive and impactful during the floods as it was two years ago when Victoria was ravaged by bushfires.

“This is a country-altering event that touches our employees and their families,” he said. “We want to do all we can to help those affected.”

Contributing to the success and improvement of the communities where Corning employees work and live is one of the company’s core Values. Sharp and rapid response to natural disasters, aid for communities in need and general enhancement projects are causes Corning and its employees know well – and are always eager to support.

From 1972's devastating flood in the company's hometown to more recent earthquakes in China and floods in the U.S. and Poland, Corning maintains a strong track record of pitching in when people need help. Dittrich said Corning’s assistance in Australia – backed by years of commitment to the communities its employees work and live in – was simply the right thing to do.

“This is our home and we, as a company and residents, want to help rebuild,” said Dittrich. “Corning’s contributions will help towards that end.”