New Zealand motorists have raised more than $40,000 for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) by choosing Bridgestone tyres during the ‘Drive for a Cure’ campaign.
Bridgestone committed a donation to LBC for every tyre sold through its national network of Bridgestone Select and Bridgestone Tyre Centre locations throughout February, with a total of $40,584 raised during the period.
LBC chief executive Peter Fergusson says the funds raised will make a significant difference in supporting the 21,000 New Zealanders living with blood cancer.
“The last two years have required adaptability and flexibility by the dedicated staff at Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand so that we could continue our vital work with our vision to cure and our mission to care. This commitment was shared by our donors, our volunteers and our partners including Bridgestone NZ,” Fergusson says.
“Our heartfelt thanks to you all as through your Drive for a Cure campaign, you have helped us achieve so much. And together, we look forward to driving more significant progress in the future that will help improve the lives of people impacted by blood cancer through our research support and care.”
Eight Kiwis are diagnosed with blood cancer each day, making it the fifth most common form of cancer in the country.
Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand supports patients and families with personalised assistance, providing information and education, funding research, raising awareness, and advocacy.
Bridgestone has partnered with LBC since 2017, raising more than $150,000 through various initiatives and through participation in the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge, Shave for a Cure, and StepUp events in support of LBC.
Bridgestone NZ director John Staples says fundraising for the charity is a core part of the company’s local initiatives.
“Bridgestone is committed to giving back to communities all around the world, and our ongoing support of Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand is an excellent example of how we are supporting the New Zealand community,” Staples says.
“We’re delighted that our customers have helped us raise more than $40,000, and furthermore that the funds will go towards assisting people living with blood cancer in New Zealand.”
Bridgestone Corporation recently launched ‘Bridgestone E8 Commitment’, the company’s global platform towards a more sustainable future and to address environmental and social factors.
The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is how the company will realise its long-term, 2050 vision of providing social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company through the values of: energy, ecology, efficiency, extension, economy, emotion, ease and empowerment.
“Our support of Leukemia and Blood Cancer NZ is important to Bridgestone, because we believe all New Zealanders should benefit from access to care and opportunities, in line with Bridgestone’s values,” Staples adds.
