Jefferies and Co., which last week began a campaign to help the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, has raised millions to aid those affected by the tragedy.
Exactly 10 organizations will receive $5.25 million that was raised from trading profits, employee gifts and a donation from Jefferies itself.
Jefferies donated commissions that totaled $3.65 million from trades in the U.S., Europe and Asia. In addition, Jefferies’ employees gave $600,000, while the company itself gave $1 million to the organizations.
The trading day occurred on March 16 for the U.S. and European businesses, while the Asian business donated net trading revenues from March 14 to March 18.
"We greatly appreciate the participation and support of our clients who directed their equity trading business to Jefferies, as well as our employee-partners who volunteered a day’s salary to this worthy cause," said Richard Handler, chairman and chief executive of Jefferies & Co. "It is our honor to be able to utilize Jefferies’ global platform for the benefit of assisting our Japanese brothers and sisters who have suffered, but will recover from this horrific tragedy."
Among the organizations receiving help are the Red Cross ($1.25 million), UNICEF ($1 million) and Americares ($750,000). Six organizations are to receive $250,000 each, including World Vision, Mercy Corps., Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders and GlobalGiving.
