WASHINGTON, September 17, 2026 – When a major hurricane batters the Gulf Coast or a sudden winter freeze paralyzes electrical grids across the Midwest, emergency crews don’t have the luxury of waiting around for red tape. Food, shelter, and medical supplies need to move—and move fast.
It’s this necessity that has prompted a partnership between Old Republic International Corporation and the American Red Cross through a new nationwide charitable collaboration. Launched September 16, this agreement will put Old Republic into the Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, where the corporation’s members’ advanced commitment enables the necessary people, structure, supplies, technology and training for responding to emergencies.
Financial details of the deal were not provided. However, the intention here is quite obvious: make the Red Cross stronger before the crisis happens, instead of waiting for people’s donations once they are displaced.
According to the Old Republic President and CEO Craig R. Smiddy, “Old Republic is dedicated to supporting the Red Cross and its vital work to better the communities where our employees live and work… We’re proud that our partnership helps the Red Cross strengthen its preparedness efforts and contribute to its quick, effective disaster response.” Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the Red Cross, said: “With increased occurrences of extreme weather disasters, we have seen a rise in need for disaster assistance and corporate assistance allows us to act quickly.”
While Old Republic is more concerned about the business of property and casualty and title insurance, the Red Cross is more concerned about the human aspect of the emergency, that is, provision of shelter, food and relief items.
The collaboration will not decrease the level of damage done during emergencies. It will make the process faster and more reliable.
