PPG Industries is taking action to help the Sichuan, China, region and its people after a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck there May 12.

PPG Asia/Pacific is donating RMB500,000 through the Red Cross Society of China to help purchase emergency equipment for the Sichuan region. In addition, thousands of employees from PPG Asia/Pacific plants, trading companies, offices, labs and joint ventures are donating to a special account the company created to support earthquake relief.

The PPG Industries Foundation, based at the global headquarters in Pittsburgh, has pledged to match donations of $25 or more made by U.S. employees to the American Red Cross International Response Fund for earthquake disaster relief. Matching will apply to donations made within 90 days following the earthquake.

PPG Asia/Pacific has established a team that employees and their families in the Sichuan region can call for emotional support and guidance in finding emergency services, and the company has asked employees not to travel to Sichuan and surrounding areas to help reduce traffic and facilitate easier travel for emergency and rescue units.

“We are monitoring earthquake recovery efforts, and we plan to offer help to affected areas in restoring their infrastructure as recovery advances,” said Cathy Yan, general manager, government affairs and business development, PPG/Asia Pacific.