Industry Rallies to Aid Tsunami Victims
Automotive companies around the world are doing their bit to help those affected by the recent tsunami disaster
By Sheldon Trollope
IN THE WAKE of the tsunami disaster of December 26, there doesn’t seem to be a single person who has not contributed in some way to the relief efforts of countries affected by the calamity.
The automotive industry is no exception and millions of dollars worth of aid and supplies continue to pour in from just about every company CarBuyer managed to contact.
The world’s largest car company, General Motors, was appropriately impressive in its gesture as it announced that the GM Foundation – a division that handles the corporation’s philanthropic interests – donated US$1 million (S$1.64 million) in cash to the International Response Fund of the American Red Cross to support relief efforts on behalf of victims of the disaster.
In addition, the Foundation will also match another US$1 million in contributions made by GM’s employees around the world.
Closer to home, General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation and its employees here independently contributed to the Singapore Red Cross as part of the local effort to help and support the cause.
Another company that did its part was the BMW Group. Within days of the natural disaster that affected scores of nations throughout South Asia and the east coast of Africa, the Munich-based corporation set aside 100,000 (S$218,503) as an initial ‘first aid’ effort.
Also, the Group’s regional division BMW Asia is reportedly in discussions with charities and local organisations in the affected regions to support the reconstruction phase.
As a large number of Swedes were vacationing in the affected areas at the time, Volvo Car Corporation (VCC) – which has a number of its own employees still missing – donated over one million Swedish Kronors (S$241,747) to the Red Cross.
In addition, the Swedish carmaker has also provided its corporate aircraft to be used at the disposal of a rescue team comprising medical professionals.
VCC has also set up a crisis centre, with teams of doctors, nurses, priests, psychologists and other experts to provide support for its employees.
In Singapore, employees of Volvo importer SM Motors have been supporting the relief efforts in cash or kind on an individual basis.
Meanwhile, local tyre company Stamford Tyres has set up a special committee to oversee the proper disbursements of funds to the most appropriate charities.
