Bridgestone Corporation Expresses Compassion for Victims of Terrorist Action in United States
Company contributes $1 million to Red Cross relief efforts
Tokyo (September 19, 2001) - Management and employees
at Bridgestone Group companies worldwide share a sense of profound shock
and sadness at the recent terrorist acts in the United States. On behalf
of the Bridgestone Group, the parent company, Tokyo-based Bridgestone
Corporation, has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross. The donation
is to help fund medical treatment and other support for the victims and
their family members. No Bridgestone/Firestone employees or members of
their immediate families appear to have died or suffered injury in the
terrorist acts.
"Our subsidiary Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., is a proud member
of the U.S. community and employs some 45,000 Americans," observed
Bridgestone Corporation president, chairman of the board and CEO Shigeo
Watanabe. "Personally, I feel a special affinity for the United
States, where I lived for five years and where I have traveled extensively.
This donation is an affirmation of the close ties between the Bridgestone
Group and the men and women of the United States. Those ties reflect
Bridgestone/Firestone's proud heritage of more than 100 years in America
and its core position in our global organization."
In addition to the contribution by Bridgestone Corporation, Nashville-based
Bridgestone/Firestone has contributed $100,000 to the American Red Cross
and is conducting fund raising campaigns at its plant and office locations,
including its more than 2,100 company-owned stores. Campaigns are also
underway to gather voluntary donations from among the approximately 50,000
Bridgestone Group employees outside North America.
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