AKRON, OH — Numerous automotive aftermarket industry associations and businesses have been reaching out to the victims of last month’s devastating tsunami in south Asia. The 8.9-magnitude quake hit December 26 off the coast of Indonesia, triggering extremely large waves that have brought massive flooding, damage and loss of life in the region. More than 140,000 are reported dead, with countless others left homeless and injured.
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has asked its members and the motor vehicle product manufacturing industry to help this part of the world with its recovery efforts by donating to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. MEMA has kicked off the effort with a $1,000 on behalf of its staff and members in each of its three market segment associations, AASA, HDMA and OESA.
Outside of MEMA’s efforts, a number of other automotive and aftermarket related organizations are coming to the aid of those affected by the tragedy. Canadian manufacturer Magna International has pledged $100,000. Aluminum producer Alcoa is offering to match employee donations to the American Red Cross and presented an initial $25,000 grant to the American Red Cross International Response Fund to assist with the international relief effort. Alcoa of Australia has also donated a total of $40,000 (Australian dollars) in grants to Care Australia, World Vision, Australian Red Cross and Oxfam to assist the devastated countries.
T.A.S. Auto Parts, an Internet retailer specializing in parts and accessories for ’94-’02 Honda Accords, has announced it will donate all profits from the sale of t-shirts, key chains, and other novelty items to the victims of the tsunami that recently struck the nations surrounding the Indian Ocean. From January 5th until January 12th, all of the profits from the sale of items located in the Apparel & Novelty department at http://www.tasauto.com/ will be donated to AmeriCares Foundation, Inc., to help its relief efforts in Southeast Asia.
Players in the tire industry have stepped in to assist as well. Groupe Michelin contributed $2 million to international relief efforts; and Canadian Tire’s Foundation for Families donated $125,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Southeast Asia Earthquake and Tidal Wave Relief Fund and launched a country-wide campaign to collect relief funds through its 455 stores. Hanover, Germany-based Continental AG is contributing $500,000 toward relief efforts.
Those who wish to donate funds to the relief effort can make contributions to the International Response Fund by contacting your local American Red Cross chapter or the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. For more information, call 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).
The American Red Cross is not able to accept small, individual donations or collections of items for this crisis. Financial support is the best form of assistance those wishing to help can provide.
MEMA is keeping a tally of how much the supplier industry donates to this worthy cause. If you would like to be included in this tally, send a email to [email protected].
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