Vodafone Albania Foundation and Vodafone Foundation Humanitarian Fund donate tech devices in support of the fight against wildfires.

Vodafone Albania Foundation and Vodafone Foundation Humanitarian Fund donate tech devices in support of the fight against wildfires 
 
Vodafone Albania took immediate measures to respond to the emergency situation created by out of control fires in Albania. 

Vodafone Albania Foundation and Vodafone Foundation Humanitarian Fund are supporting the National Agency of Protected Areas, contributing 24K Euros value of donations  to support the fight against wildfires.   

Vodafone Albania CEO, Mrs. Katia Stathaki, visited some of the coastal areas affected by fires in the south of Albania.  During her stop in Pashaliman,  Mrs. Stathaki was welcomed by the Prefect of Vlora, Mr. Flamur Mamaj, Navy’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Sabri Gjonollari,  the general director of the National Agency of Protected Areas, Mr. Zamir Dedej, as well as representatives of the National Agency of Civil Protection, Mr. Robert  Hysenllari.  

In the ceremony organized at the Visitors Center at the Llogora National Park, Mrs. Stathaki emphasized that it is important for companies to act, inform and raise awereness among people. This is why Vodafone Foundation Group and Vodafone Albania Foundation, were immediately willing to offer their help, following the wildfires emergency in Albania, thus contributing in the protection of the forests.  “Wildfires reminded once again of how important is the environment and our behaviour towards it. We at Vodafone are very responsible and have taken bold actions to lower impact to the environment. Group Foundation and Vodafone Albania Foundation decided to support the National Agency of Protected Areas, donating materials and equipment to a value of 24.000 euros, which shall serve for fighting wildfires. The staff of the National Agency of the Protected Areas and the army are in the frontline of this war. But despite their dedication for acting in such situations, it is difficult to manage without proper equipment, materials, and preparation, and we felt our civil obligation to contribute in the fight.” – Mrs. Stathaki said. 

Vodafone Albania’s CEO then added that Vodafone Foundation have always been committed to support its communities, and have been doing so for over 14 years, with more than  12 million euros  value of contribution to Albania. 
 
During his speech, the Prefect of Vlora, Mr. Flamur Mamaj, expressed his gratitude to Vodafone Albania for the immediate response to the emergency, thus considering the received support as an inspiring example for future collaborations in benefit of the community.  

Vodafone Foundation’s Humanitarian Fund is available to support Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and relief agencies in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters or emergencies in the communities in which Vodafone operates. This fund can match donations from Vodafone Group companies in Europe and Africa to provide additional financial support to aid workers and those affected by disasters.  In 2020 in response to COVID-19, the Vodafone Group Foundation and Vodafone country foundations contributed more than €10m of donations in cash and in-kind to healthcare providers and other agencies. In March 2021, the Vodafone Foundation and Vodacom Foundation together pledged €5m to support vaccine roll out in Africa.


Vodafone Albania responded in the very first days of the emergencies caused by wildfires in Albania, thus supporting with communication the heroes in  frontline of this mission, as well as the inhabitants of the affected areas. All firefighters and inhabitants of the affected areas that are Vodafone subscribers benefited a free of charge communication bundle, in order to be constantly connected and communitcate worry free during these difficult days.