Bridgestone/Firestone gives American Red Cross $1.1 million

“While we know that nothing we say or do can alleviate the unbelievable pain that the victims’ families are suffering, we hope they can feel the positive power and strength of our thoughts and prayers as they go out to all of them,” Lampe wrote in a letter to Bridgestone/Firestone employees. “We hope that in some way knowing that the entire country, in fact the world, is supporting them can give them some comfort.”

Lampe said that Shigeo Watanabe, president & CEO of Bridgestone Corp., was broken-hearted by the tragedy in the U.S.

“We are committed to helping in the rebuilding effort in your great country,” Watanabe said in a letter to Lampe.

In further support of the relief and rebuilding efforts, Watanabe also announced a worldwide fund raising campaign among all Bridgestone companies. The funds will be collected and donated to Red Cross at the end of October, Lampe said.