In October 2024, Sinclair launched Sinclair Cares: Hurricane Relief, a fundraising partnership with The Salvation Army to assist with humanitarian relief efforts on the ground in Western North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia and Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In total, the company raised nearly $1.3 million to support The Salvation Army and The United Way in their post-hurricane efforts.
Throughout the month of October, Sinclair’s television stations participated in fundraising activities and on-air campaigns, with a dedicated day of giving held on October 4.
Among the more notable efforts:
- WCYB Tri Cities, TN raised $650,000 in partnership with the local chapter of United Way
- WJAR Providence, RI held a telethon that generated $160,000 in donations to The Salvation Army
- WEAR Pensacola, FL raised over $50,000 for The Salvation Army
- Sinclair contributed a corporate donation of $50,000 and Sinclair’s Executive Chairman, David D. Smith, made a personal donation of $25,000 to The Salvation Army
- KATV Little Rock, AK’s viewers donated enough supplies to fill a tractor-trailer with clothing, cleaning supplies, baby items and more for displaced victims of Hurricane Helene.
Over the course of the campaign, Sinclair supported the initiative with over 100 hours of donated promo time while the company’s content centers aired 346 local news segments.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support that helped us raise nearly $1.3 million to aid in hurricane relief efforts,” said Rob Weisbord, COO and President of Local Media. “This is a testament to the power of collaboration and the generosity of our viewers and employees, as these funds will make a critical difference for those affected, helping to rebuild lives and communities in the aftermath of the devastation.”
“We are deeply grateful to Sinclair for their partnership and commitment to supporting The Salvation Army’s relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Their help in raising critical funds and awareness is making a lasting difference for families and communities facing immense challenges,” said The Salvation Army National Commander, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder.