Bridgestone Americas Contributes to Haitian Relief Efforts
Donations by global Bridgestone family of companies total more than $75,000
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 21, 2010) - Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) will join its parent company, Tokyo-based Bridgestone Corporation (BSJ), and BSAM’s subsidiary, Bridgestone de Costa Rica, S.A. (BSCR), in donating more than $75,000 to assist with relief efforts following the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
BSAM, through the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, will donate $25,000 to the relief efforts through the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, while BSJ will donate approximately $27,000 (¥2.5 million yen) through the Japanese Red Cross Society.
BSCR, BSAM’s subsidiary located in Costa Rica, will lead Bridgestone’s relief support efforts in Latin America, pledging $25,000 to Habitat for Humanity International. BSCR has also launched a campaign with the goal of raising additional funds from its teammates to match that company’s contribution, all of which funds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International’s Latin America and Caribbean office to help build transitional shelters for those left homeless by the earthquake.
“The Costa Rican people truly sympathize with the tragedy suffered in Haiti mainly because a year ago we lived through a similar experience with the earthquake of Cinchona. We know how painful it is to see your own people losing their homes and even their families,” said Oscar Rodriguez, President, BSCR. “Bridgestone Costa Rica participated actively in relief efforts after our country’s tragedy and wants to do the same in Haiti, a country with so many needs.
“Bridgestone Costa Rica is also promoting a teammate-based fund-raising initiative in the rest of the BSAM Latin American subsidiaries, since we know that if we all join together we can do even more to help those affected by the earthquake,” Rodriguez said.
“All of us have been affected by the heartbreaking images and devastating reports of destruction and chaos coming from Haiti,” said Christine Karbowiak, Executive Vice President, Community and Corporate Relations, BSAM. “But it’s also heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from all over the globe. The global Bridgestone group has a long tradition of lending support in a crisis, and we’ll now join together to help survivors of the tragedy in Haiti.”
The Bridgestone family of companies would like to express their condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy, and wish the nation of Haiti a quick recovery.
About Bridgestone Corporation:
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.
About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Americas and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.
About Bridgestone de Costa Rica, S.A.:
Bridgestone de Costa Rica, S.A. (BSCR) is a member of the Latin American Tire division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and a direct subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. BSCR was established and built its first tire in 1967 in La Ribera de Belen, in the province of Heredia. The facility employs 980 teammates and manufactures passenger and light truck radial tires, and light truck, truck and bus, and agricultural bias tires. BSCR has sales responsibilities for Central America and the Caribbean Islands and also supports the sales operations in North and South America by providing them with passenger, light truck, and truck and bus tires. |
