WASHINGTON – May 2 – Battery Council International (BCI) is a global organization with employees, facilities and customers around the world. The association’s members – battery manufacturers, recyclers and suppliers – have watched with mounting concern the impact the invasion of Ukraine is having on its citizens, and in particular its children. In an effort to assist the most vulnerable, many companies among BCI’s membership have contributed to humanitarian efforts. Among the leaders of the industry, BCI’s members have collectively donated more than $430,000 to groups working at the Ukrainian borders to assist those displaced by the crisis.
“Since the beginning of the war in late February, the number of displaced people has continued to grow,” said Roger Miksad, executive vice president of BCI. “The most recent reported figures are staggering, nearly 8.3 million refugees are expected to leave Ukraine, and millions more are displaced inside of their home country. This is a global humanitarian emergency and our board wanted to demonstrate the battery industry’s assistance.”
Many of BCI’s members have employees and facilities in Ukraine and the surrounding countries and have been providing support since this crisis began. As of May 2, BCI members have informed BCI of a total of $255,000 in donations to UNICEF’s efforts for children and families of Ukraine and children in crisis around the world, and more than $175,000 to the International Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Jesuit Refugee Services, and other charitable organizations.
About Battery Council International
Battery Council International is the North American trade association representing lead battery manufacturing, supply, recycling and distribution companies.