By Digital Communications Manager, Ashley Henyan
Recently, LA Talks had the opportunity to discuss Panda Care’s generosity and commitment to the mission of the American Red Cross with Peggy Cherng, Co-Chair and Co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group.
LA Talks: Thank you for committing to a three-week customer donation program to support Red Cross Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief efforts. With nearly 2,000 donation stations now up at your restaurants and in your Support Center, how do you hope to help those impacted by these storms?
Peggy Cherng: First and foremost, our thoughts are with those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Driven by Panda’s Spirit of Giving, we hope to bring relief and support to the millions of people affected by this disaster. Whether it is through donating to an organization such as the American Red Cross, who directly helps with disaster relief efforts, or by providing warm meals to those in need, we can all do our part for our communities.
LA Talks: With Panda Care’s nearly 20 year commitment to volunteer services and disaster relief, choosing to support the Red Cross certainly makes sense. How do you see the mission of the Red Cross aligning with Panda Care’s core values?
Peggy Cherng: One of Panda’s core values is GIVING- similar to the American Red Cross mission. Panda has been so blessed throughout our company’s history and we are grateful for the support of our communities. We take it as a privilege to be able to give our time and resources to help those in need.
LA Talks: We heard about one of your locations near Houston, where the General Manager and his family donated $1500 to support Hurricane Harvey Relief. How does this make you feel as an organization, to know that you have the overwhelming support of your employees?
Peggy Cherng: It is humbling and inspiring to see the Panda family come together to uphold one of Panda’s core values – giving. Whenever our family and community are in a time of need, we are proud that Panda has created an environment where our associates are empowered to do what they can to support the community. Many of our associates have volunteered their time to deliver hot meals to various first responders, hospitals and shelters, as well as money to our disaster relief efforts.
LA Talks: Tell us about making a choice to give back through the American Red Cross.
Peggy Cherng: Being able to help those in need is Panda’s way to pay it forward. We have been so blessed as an organization. We believe in the work that American Red Cross has done to make a positive impact on so many lives during times of need. We know that support is crucial to continue the great work.
You can contribute to Panda Care’s Customer Donation Program by visiting any Panda Express location between now and September 22, 2017.
If you are reading this and feel moved to help people affected by disasters, you can do so by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS, or texting the word HARVEY, or IRMA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Very nice, Ashley. Heartwarming. Thanks.