NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 8)—The Bridgestone global group of companies donated more than $1 million to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina response, and more than 2,200 company-owned retail stores across the United States are offering their customers a way to lend a helping hand.
Bridgestone Corp. donated $900,000 and Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., Bridgestone Corp.´s U.S. subsidiary, contributed $100,000. Firestone Polymers Co., an operating unit of Bridgestone Americas, which has a plant in Lake Charles, La., also donated $10,000 along with a corporate match of up to $10,000 for company teammate contributions.
Consumers may contribute to relief efforts at any of the more than 2,200 Firestone Complete Auto Care, TiresPlus, ExpertTire and GCR Tire Centers locations, which have been designated Red Cross official cash donation sites.
"As a global company, we are touched by the physical devastation and human suffering that Hurricane Katrina left in her wake," said Shigeo Watanabe, Bridgestone chairman, CEO and president. "We have teammates, customers and consumers who have suffered terribly, and we are honored to do our part to help the American Red Cross alleviate some of the suffering."