• by Teresa Buyikian , August 17, 2023

Yesterday Panda Restaurant Group, the parent company of Panda Express, pledged up to $2 million to the American Red Cross to assist with essential support to those affected by the wildfires.

The fundraising program, through the chain’s Panda Cares Foundation, will run through Aug. 21 in participating U.S. locations. During the program, the restaurants will have in-store Panda Cares Donation Boxes, and 100% of guest donations collected through the boxes and online will be matched up to $1 million by Panda Express. The chain is also providing associate assistance and community meal donations for those affected by the fires.

"The impact of the Maui wildfires has been devastating, and we extend our heartfelt empathy and care to those who have been affected by this tragedy, including our local Panda associates," said Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Panda Express. "Giving is a core value at Panda, and we are grateful to establish this matching fund that will double the generosity of our guests and associates in support of the Maui community."

Panda Express has already been working with both the Salvation Army and the Red Cross over the past weekend, feeding first responders and fire victims in Maui. The chain will continue to provide additional free meals to local community members throughout the month.

The Maui fires have gone on record as the deadliest fires in U.S.,  damaging or completely raising 5,000 structures and causing an estimated $3.2 billion in property losses, with thousands of residents still without power or completely displaced.

The chain stated that Panda Express associates in Maui affected by the fires will continue to receive paychecks while stores are closed, as well as receive free counseling services and financial assistance through its Panda Associate Assistance Fund (PAAF).

Panda Express operates over 2,500 locations in 11 countries.