COSCO warms local employees' hearts with Hurricane Sandy relief

NEW YORK - Nearly 190 employees of China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) Americas, who were affected by Hurricane Sandy, received relief money and other gifts from their Chinese employer and colleagues Thursday as many of them were still struggling to rebuild their damaged homes.

"In my over 30 years of business experience I must tell you that I've never seen an act of kindness and generosity like this from an employer," said Frank Grossi, executive vice president of the company's operations management division, whose life was disrupted by the hurricane.

"This is typically what families do to help one another," he added.

Liu Hanbo, president of COSCO Americas, told Xinhua that the $200,000 relief money given to the hurricane-stricken employees in New York and New Jersey area came from the COSCO Charity Foundation and was put together by COSCO Group, COSCO affiliated companies and Chinese employees.

Touched by the sincere care and support from their Chinese employer and colleagues, many local employees said they had never imagined receiving this special gift just before the Thanksgiving holiday.

However, Liu said he was also deeply touched by the cooperation and professionalism of their local employees in the face of this once-in-a-hundred-year hurricane.

"Despite all the difficulties at home, 75 percent of our employees reported to their post on the day after the hurricane and did their best to keep the business going and minimize the losses of the company," he said.

Liu also mentioned that the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan was hit by a devastating earthquake four years ago, all local employees in the company made donations to show their care for the Chinese people.

"When they are in trouble this time, COSCO wants to make sure they also feel the care and love from China," he said.

According to Grossi, this act of generosity is another reason why employees have such a positive view of the company and remain so loyal, working ever harder to make COSCO the best company in the shipping industry.

"It is especially fitting to receive this and give thanks on the day before we celebrate our Thanksgiving holiday, which will help make Thanksgiving a little bit brighter," he said.