Corporate Citizenship

Corporate Citizenship

When it comes to helping nonprofits secure the resources they need, the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund is the resource the company uses to make that happen.

Since 1952, the Trust Fund has given to charities nationwide that support educational initiatives, the environment and conservation and children’s programs. More than $2.4 million was donated in 2009 to deserving charities and non-profits across the United States. In the past five years, the Trust Fund has donated more than $20 million to national and local charities.

In addition to the philanthropy from the Trust Fund, individual business units also provide help to both nonprofits and people in the communities they serve.

  • Firestone Natural Rubber (FSNR) conducts its cargo donation program throughout the year to transport humanitarian supplies to Liberia in order to help rebuild the country. Since FSNR’s ships often have space available when they return to Liberia after delivering their natural rubber cargo at U.S. ports, the company has partnered with many charitable groups to fill that space with books, medical supplies, non-perishable food items and other supplies that are in desperate need in that country.
  • Bridgestone Retail Operations has established a partnership with the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), including support of local chapters, launching a national video scholarship contest and providing discounted services to the more than 1 million volunteers and staff. Firestone spokesman Mario Andretti, plus other volunteers from inside and outside the company, have donated countless meals to the elderly in various locations.
  • Firestone Racing donated $10,000 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer research foundation. IndyCar Series owner/driver Sarah Fisher raced in support of the Komen foundation at the season finale race, the Firestone Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The check donation was televised live during the VERSUS channel’s broadcast of the race on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009.
  • The Aiken, S.C. plant provides 16 jobs a day for individuals through the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, an employment agency for disabilities. Tasks include rubber recovery, cart painting, and liner repair. Aiken was named the 2009 SCVRC Business Partner of the Year for their dedication to helping those with disabilities.
  • Throughout the racing season, Firestone Racing, in conjunction with CARA Charities, collects and donates toys to sick children in hospitals in the cities where races are taking place. The Firestone Firehawk mascot and Firestone Racing representatives personally deliver the toys to the children, brightening their day.
  • Firestone Metal Products Company, LLC (FSMP) and Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (FSBP) donated materials to ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, to build a home in Duluth, Minn. The material was used for the roof and part of the outer wall on the home. The episode was selected for the show’s two-hour premiere on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 on ABC.

Most company locations also take part annually in building homes through Habitat for Humanity, raising funds for United Way, and educating children through Junior Achievement.

Hundreds of Bridgestone Americas teammates dedicate time on weekends to help make home ownership a reality for someone they don’t even know. Just in Nashville alone, teammates have built six houses for needy families through Habitat for Humanity.

Bridgestone Americas teammates in Nashville raised more than $18,000 for United Way in 2009, and $9,000 for Junior Achievement. Teammates hold their own fundraisers, or participate in the nonprofit’s fundraising efforts.