Cooper says it will match up to up to $25,000 in employee donations through a special Haiti earthquake disaster relief program.
The tire maker is pursuing “a long tradition of assisting communities and people in need,” according to Roy Armes, chairman, president and CEO.
“We are saddened by this tragedy, one of the worst natural disasters of our lifetime, and genuinely concerned for the health and safety of the people of Haiti,” says Armes.
“In an effort to provide much needed assistance, the company, on behalf of its employees around the world, will join in the united effort to save lives and rebuild this demolished country.”
In addition, rank and file employees within the entire tire industry are being encouraged to donate through the United Steelworkers union (USW).
“Many of our sisters and brothers who live and work in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have friends and relatives from Haiti,” says union President Leo W. Gerard.
“In the aftermath of the terrible earthquake in Haiti,” reports Fred Redmond, vice president of human affairs, “we’ve had several USW members and locals ask how they can help.”
Contributions to the Steelworkers Charitable and Educational Organization, which has already earmarked $20,000 for Haiti, are tax-deductible. The fund has previously collected money for victims of hurricanes Katrina and Gustav.
For more information, visit www.coopertire.com and www.usw.org.
