Employees at Nora Lighting, many with family and friends in the Philippines, responded quickly to calls for help by raising more than $2,500.00 for the American Red Cross to provide humanitarian aid to families affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

The employees' fund-raising efforts were met with matching funds by Nora Lighting founders Fred and Jilla Farzan.

"So many of our long-time employees have very strong family connections in the Philippines," said Jilla Farzan, executive vice president at Nora. "The news was very distressing for everyone at our company. We hope our contributions will help bring food and medical supplies to the villages where it is needed most," she said.

Typhoon Haiyan struck a series of islands throughout the Philippines in November, killing more than 6,000 people and leaving thousands without food or shelter.

"Tragedies like this affect everyone, especially when there are close family ties," said Neda Farzan, who helped organize the fund-raising. Ms. Farzan recently joined the company as a business development analyst.

Nora Lighting is based in Commerce, CA. The company has been in business for nearly 25 years and manufactures lighting fixtures for commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional and residential applications. www.noralighting.com