Even with all the turmoil and uncertainty in today’s auto industry, auto makers and a large financial institution banded together in an effort to send funds to the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.
GM gave $100,000 and provided direct online access to the red cross so its employees could make personal contributions as well. “As one of the world’s largest car companies, doing our part to contribute aid to Haiti is not about business but our obligation to our fellow man,” explained GM chairman and chief executive officer Ed Whitacre. “There is remarkable compassion among GM employees, and I know that same spirit will make a difference in helping the Haiti relief effort.”
Toyota Motor North America Inc. is donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders. “Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders have been working in Haiti for a long time”, says Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy and community affairs at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
In addition, Toyota North America, Toyota Motor Sales, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America will match employee contributions and provide four-wheel-drive Tundras and Tacomas to the Red Cross.
Nissan donated $30,000 in cash to the Red Cross and plans to provide more than $100,000 for the Haitian earthquake relief effort. The automaker will match the first $25,000 in employee donations, for a combined contribution of up to $50,000. They will also give $52,000 to Habitat for Humanity International to construct 13 houses in Haiti as rebuilding programs get under way.
Ford’s Ford Fund & Community Services said it will match all individual employee contributions up to $50,000, which will be donated to the American Red Cross. It also is working with Behrmann Motors, a Ford dealership in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to identify critical needs on the ground.
Eaton, an engine parts supplier, pledged $100,000 to the Red Cross fund. Eaton also will match employees’ donations to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund that supports long-term recovery efforts such as financial and health-related challenges.
Bank of America executives donated $1 million with half of that sum going to the American Red Cross. The remaining $500,000 will go toward the long-term recovery efforts to restore basic medical services and fund the rebuilding of homes, schools and other structures critical to the affected communities. Bank of America also plans to match donations made by its employees.
