Honda pledges $500,000 to Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, American Honda announced Nov. 1 a pledge of $500,000 to the American Red Cross-Disaster Relief Fund, for use during humanitarian relief and recovery efforts in areas affected by the storm.

“This giant storm hit many areas particularly hard, and Honda wants to support the many individuals and families devastated by the hurricane’s impact,” said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and chief executive officer of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and chief operating officer of Honda’s North American region. “As we have in responding to past natural disasters, supporting the Red Cross is an effective way to quickly reach the front lines.”

The Honda donation consists of cash, as well as Honda products, including portable generators and water pumps for use in the relief and rebuilding efforts. A special company fund will match its associates’ personal contributions to the Red Cross on a dollar-for-dollar basis at various Honda companies.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is working with the American Red Cross to establish online channels that will facilitate donations from Honda and Acura automobile dealers, Honda motorcycle and power equipment dealers, customers, suppliers and others interested in supporting the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts through the Red Cross. The online channels will be available within 24 hours.

This donation represents the collective contribution of the Honda family of companies and its associates in the United States and Canada, which consists of sales, manufacturing, finance and research and development operations, with more than 33,000 associates. Contributions from Honda’s operations in Canada will be made to the Canadian Red Cross.

In addition, Honda Financial Services is instituting a number of measures to provide relief to customers directly affected by the storm, including temporary adjustments to policies on fee payments, late credit bureau reporting, extensions of loan payments, waivers of late charges and other services when appropriate.

Honda has been in close communication with the Red Cross regarding its need for material and equipment. The company has a long-standing relationship with the Red Cross and has supported the emergency relief organization in previous disaster relief efforts through cash, product and in-kind donations.