The Fifth Third Foundation, of Fifth Third Bank, contributed $500,000 to support relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Florida on Sept. 28. Loan hardship assistance will also be available.

Tim Spence, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bancorp, said the $500,000 donation aims at bringing relief to the people impacted and the thousands who continue to grapple in the aftermath of the tragedy.

In addition, Fifth Third Bank has deployed its Fifth Third financial empowerment mobile, or eBus, to assist the people of Florida. In partnership with the city of Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center, bank staff will accompany the eBus to help residents apply for aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and other emergency and basic need resources, including water.

The eBus will be at 3903 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional information and future event dates for the eBus will be shared via media.

“Our hearts continue to be with the people of Florida and in support of those affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian,” Spence said. “Our foundation’s donation provides funds and resources to help communities recover in the areas of greatest need. By deploying the Bank’s eBus, we are offering financial and disaster assistance to those most severely impacted.”

The Foundation’s funds will be split between the following organizations:

• $250,000 to United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties
• $100,000 to United Way of Collier and the Keys
• $75,000 to Lee Memorial Health System Foundation
• $50,000 to United Way of South Sarasota County
• $25,000 to United Way of Charlotte County

“The Fifth Third Foundation was established to support the needs of our communities,” Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer at Fifth Third, said. “We are proud to be able to quickly distribute funds to help the people of Florida.”

“Disasters such as Hurricane Ian affect the communities that our customers call home,” Heidi B. Jark, managing director of the foundation office at Fifth Third Bank, said. “Through our support, we are standing with them to recover and rebuild.”

The Fifth Third Cares Fund is available to help Bank employees impacted by Hurricane Ian.