Toyota Contributions to Hurricane Relief Top $7.5 Million
September 28, 2005 - New York, NY Toyota companies today announced additional support for victims of the Gulf Coast hurricanes. To date, 2005 hurricane relief pledges from Toyota and its 38,000 employees in North America exceed $7.5 million, including in-kind donations.
For starters:
Toyota's efforts toward hurricane relief include:
More than $6.5 million in corporate contributions, the majority of which went to the American Red Cross
A total of $800,000 in company-matched employee donations
A donation of five Hino trucks, worth an estimated $200,000, to the American Red Cross
Return transportation for a team of medical personnel who were assisting in American Red Cross relief efforts
Assistance by Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services to affected customers including a 90-day extension on payments and suspension of credit bureau reporting and collection
Shipment of supplies, food and clothing donated by Toyota employees across North America
To stimulate further giving, employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other relief organizations will be extended through the end of October.
Toyota established operations in the US in 1957 and currently operates eight US manufacturing plants, with two more under construction. There are over 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships located in 50 US states. Selling over 2 million vehicles in the US in 2004, Toyota has a direct US investment of over $13 billion and direct US employment of over 31,000. According to a 2005 Center for Automotive Research study, Toyota, along with its dealers and suppliers, has generated over 386,000 U.S. jobs - including jobs created through spending by direct, dealer and supplier employees.
And another:
Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia in Buffalo and the company's North American operations are matching contributions from employees and associations to tsunami relief funds.
Toyota's North American operations will match up to $1 million in contributions to the International Response Fund of the American Red Cross and UNICEF.
The North American operation believes its contributions, plus those from other Toyota affiliates worldwide will be more than $4 million.
Toyota Motor Corporation announced Friday it would donate $3 million to tsunami relief organizations.
"The team members at TMMWV join the world in sending condolences to those families and individuals impacted by the recent tragic events," said David Copenhaver, vice president for administration at the Putnam County facility.
"In an effort to make a difference, a matching donation program has been created to provide an opportunity for our team members to demonstrate their support for those affected."
As you can see, Ford isn't alone. I'm sure the others have done basically the same. So "Why we should buy American"[:I]
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