Vodafone Albania Foundation and Vodafone Foundation Humanitarian Fund donate equipment to fight wildfires

Vodafone Albania has taken immediate measures to respond to the emergency situation created by uncontrolled wildfires in Albania.

The Vodafone Albania Foundation and the Vodafone Foundation Humanitarian Fund decided to support the National Agency of Protected Areas by donating materials and equipment worth €24,000 to aid in the fight against the fires.

Vodafone Albania CEO, Mrs. Katia Stathaki, personally visited several of the affected areas along the southern coast. During her stop in Pashaliman, she was welcomed by the Prefect of Vlora, Mr. Flamur Mamaj, the Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces, Mr. Sabri Gjonollari, the Director General of the National Agency of Protected Areas, Mr. Zamir Dedej, and the representative of the National Civil Protection Agency, Mr. Robert Hysenllari.

At the ceremony held at the Visitors’ Center in Llogora National Park, Mrs. Stathaki emphasized the importance of companies taking action, raising awareness, and informing people. She explained that Vodafone Foundation, together with Vodafone Albania Foundation, was immediately ready to provide assistance after the wildfire emergency in Albania, helping to protect forests.

She stated: “The fires reminded us once again how important the environment is and how we treat it. At Vodafone, we are conscious and sensitive to our environmental impact. The Vodafone Foundation, both globally and in Albania, decided to support the National Agency of Protected Areas by donating materials and equipment worth €24,000 to help fight the fires. The staff of the Agency and the army are on the front line of this battle. Despite their dedication, it is difficult to manage the situation without proper equipment, materials, and preparation, so we felt it was our civic duty to provide our support.”

Mrs. Stathaki added that Vodafone Foundation has always been committed to supporting communities, contributing over €12 million in Albania over the past 14 years. She highlighted Vodafone’s broader environmental goals, including using 100% renewable energy for operations since 2021 and aiming for zero carbon emissions by 2025.

The Prefect of Vlora, Mr. Flamur Mamaj, thanked Vodafone Albania for its immediate response to the emergency, calling the support a motivating example for future collaborations in the interest of the community.

The Vodafone Foundation Humanitarian Fund supports NGOs and aid agencies during natural disasters in regions where Vodafone operates. Through this fund, Vodafone Group companies in Europe and Africa provide financial support to emergency workers and those affected by natural disasters. In 2020, in response to COVID-19, Vodafone Group Foundation and local foundations donated more than €10 million in cash and materials to healthcare workers and agencies. In March 2021, Vodafone Foundation and Vodacom Foundation donated €5 million for vaccines in Africa.

Vodafone Albania also responded in the early days of the wildfire emergency by offering free communication packages to firefighters and residents of affected areas, ensuring they remained connected during these difficult times.

Vodafone continues to monitor the situation and remains in constant contact with authorities, with the primary goal of providing support and assistance in this emergency. Together we can!