An unusual email request gets routed to the Global Citizenship department at FedEx requesting help with a high school prom. Does the request fall into the disaster response philanthropic focus area at FedEx?

“How is FedEx a sustainability company?!?” puzzled one MBA student. The question surprised me a bit since I work here and regularly receive our sustainability updates.

I responded, “FedEx is absolutely, positively a sustainability company!” I began to enlighten the MBA student (and her accompanying friend) on the many investments that FedEx has made to foster a better world for its employees, customers and overall stakeholders in Disaster Relief, Child Pedestrian Safety, Education, Diversity and Environmental Sustainability.

As we pull up in front of the lot in late August – construction still in progress – the smile on George’s face is priceless. He bounds out of the car, camera in hand, and starts snapping away, taking photos of a new home being built in the Broadmoor neighborhood in New Orleans (see photo).

George is with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the home was designed by one of the teams that won their 2010 Natural Talent Design Competition, a competition he helps facilitate.

He was beside himself with excitement as he marveled at the progress being made on the home, thrilled that a deserving family will soon move into a fantastic, modern home that nicely fits into the neighborhood and meets the “LEED for Homes Platinum Standard.” This is all part of EnviRenew’s unique “sustainable” approach to long term recovery.

2011 Race to Prepare launch campaign kicks off in the Bay Area with FedEx, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club and NASCAR. 250 school children participate!

While I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for The Salvation Army and its work in the disaster response field, I had not seen the organization so much as the amazingly creative and innovative organization that it is.