Viacom donates $1M to aid Sandy victims

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Viacom says it has donated $1 million to relief efforts intended to aid those impacted by Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast of the United States this week.

The company said Thursday it will donate $500,000 to the Mayor's Fund for New York City and $500,000 to local organizations for relief and rebuilding efforts in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York's Westchester County and Long Island.

In addition, Viacom has set up a $1 million employee matching gift program with The American Red Cross, which will give company employees the opportunity to maximize their personal contributions.

"The devastation from Hurricane Sandy is unprecedented and has left so many struggling to rebuild their lives," Viacom President and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Dauman said in a statement. "Viacom has always had a strong relationship with the communities it serves and we are proud to step forward once again to help those in need. In addition to these efforts, Viacom's media brands are mobilizing behind Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in ways that are most impactful and meaningful for their audiences."