NU Online News Service, Nov. 5, 11:15 a.m. EST

Joining insurance industry efforts around the globe, Harleysville Insurance and its employees have donated more than $50,000 toward the ongoing efforts to assist those impacted by the earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12.

Corporately, Harleysville said it is pledging $10,000 to the ever-expanding relief efforts. In addition, to increase contributions and to show its support for the recovery, the company is matching every dollar donated by employees to charitable organizations that benefit the situation in Haiti.

So far, employees have made individual donations totaling more than $13,000 to a variety of non-profit organizations. They also have contributed more than $7,000 through employee fundraisers.

As a result, the company is matching a total of more than $20,000, in addition to its $10,000 donation. The total will be split evenly between the American Red Cross, AmeriCares, UNICEF and the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund.

"The sheer intensity of this natural catastrophe has given rise to a united effort within the global community to reach out and help those who have suffered loss. As an organization, it is important that Harleysville does its part to support those whose lives have been disrupted by this unprecedented event," said Michael Browne, president and chief executive officer. "As our employees have shown many times in the past and here again today, they are indeed 'Good people to know,' for the way they have supported these important relief efforts."