Matson Foundation to Support Alaska Communities

HONOLULU, Oct. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson Foundation, the community support arm of Matson, Inc. MATX, has announced the expansion of its corporate giving activities to include support for charitable organizations and community efforts in Alaska.

Matson Foundation contributes funds, material goods and services to assist in the development and operation of locally-focused not-for-profit, charitable and community-based organizations located where Matson has business operations.  Last year, the Foundation donated more than $1.9 million in cash and in-kind support to organizations in Hawaii, Guam / Micronesia, the South Pacific and the mainland U.S.

With the addition of Alaska as a new focus area, the Foundation now has three geographically oriented committees – Pacific, Mainland and Alaska – each led by local Matson leaders that consider requests from their respective communities.  The Alaska Committee will be chaired by Kenny Gill, Matson's vice president, Alaska. 

"Supporting the communities in which we do business is part of Matson's DNA," said Matt Cox, Matson, Inc. CEO and president of Matson Foundation.  "Matson employees help direct our contributions and take pride in participating in activities that strengthen their communities.  We're excited to introduce Matson Foundation in Alaska and look forward to lending our support in as many ways as possible."

While Matson Foundation will support a wide range of community needs, donations are focused on charitable non-profits that have the greatest opportunity to positively affect the communities Matson serves, with preference given to those supported by Matson employees.  Areas of interest include maritime environment and ocean resource conservation, education, social services, native culture and arts, and civic and community programs. 

Donations will not be made to or on behalf of individuals, nor will Matson Foundation contributions be made to benefit political organizations.  More information about Matson Foundation, including its grant application guidelines and leadership, can be found at matson.com/foundation.

Matson, Inc. announced its acquisition of Horizon Lines, Inc., which included Horizon's Alaska operations and the assumption of all non-Hawaii business on May 29, 2015.  In September, the company announced its investment of more than $30 million in new equipment and upgrades to its Alaska operations, which have retained Horizon employees and services.

In August, Matson was rated the #1 ocean carrier in the world for the second consecutive year by shipping customers in Logistics Management's 31^st annual Quest for Quality Awards survey, considered the most prestigious industry recognition of performance excellence and customer satisfaction.

About Matson

Founded in 1882, Matson is a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the economies of Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and select South Pacific islands, and operates a premium, expedited service from China to Southern California. The Company's fleet of 25 vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout the continental U.S. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage and warehousing.  Additional information about Matson, Inc. is available at www.matson.com.

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SOURCE Matson