Northwestern Mutual Joins Pakistan Relief Effort with $100,000 American Red Cross Donation

Company Urges Others to “Do the Right Thing”

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Northwestern Mutual Foundation is donating $100,000 to help the American Red Cross provide essential support for millions of Pakistanis who lack sufficient food, water and shelter as a result of recent devastating floods.

“The floods in Pakistan have completely disrupted the lives of so many that we want to do our part to provide relief to people who urgently need help now,” said Kimberley Goode, Northwestern Mutual Foundation president. “Supporting the American Red Cross’ Pakistan Relief and Development Fund is one way companies and individuals can do the right thing to help fellow world citizens recover from such devastation.”

Northwestern Mutual is also making it easy for its more than 7,000 financial representatives, 5,000 employees and 3.3 million policyowners to pledge personal donations to the American Red Cross Pakistan Relief and Development Fund on the company’s corporate Web site, Twitter page and Facebook fan page.

"The need for financial support and humanitarian relief in Pakistan could not be more urgent, so we hope others join Northwestern Mutual and provide assistance," said David Meltzer, senior vice president of international services with the American Red Cross. “Support from Northwestern Mutual and others will help us distribute basic relief supplies to people who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and have little access to clean water and food.”

The Pakistani Disaster Hits Home for Many in the U.S.

In July, heavy monsoon rains triggered flash flooding and massive damage in Pakistan. Swelling flood waters rushed south from Pakistan’s mountainous northwest, destroying crops and submerging tens of thousands of villages in an area that compares to the size of the Western United States.

One in eight Pakistanis – approximately 20 million people – were affected by the disastrous downpours across the country. Some are friends and family of Northwestern Mutual employees and representatives.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters. The Red Cross is a charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.

About Northwestern Mutual

The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. In fiscal year 2010, the Foundation contributed more than $15 million to nonprofit organizations across the country.

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 150 years. As a mutual company with $1.2 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual seeks to share its gains with policyowners and deliver consistent and dependable value to clients over time.

Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.