Firestone Natural Rubber to extend Liberian donation program

ERJ staff report (TB)

Harbel, Liberia -- Firestone Natural Rubber Co. LLC (FSNR), Bridgestone Corp.'s natural rubber plantation subsidiary, will extend its five-year-old “Donation Cargo” program for the benefit of Liberia through 2010.

Under Donation Cargo, FSNR makes space available in its cargo ships for relief goods and other humanitarian aid to Liberia, which was left destitute after a catastrophic, 14-year civil war. The company estimates that more than $2.5 million in donated goods have made the crossing to the port of Monrovia since the program's inception.

Over the past four years we've seen Donation Cargo Program participants complete an array of humanitarian projects in Liberia,” said Dan Adomitis, president of FSNR. “While the country's need for humanitarian work is great, the generous spirit of these organizations and their volunteers is far greater. By extending this program for a fifth year, we can continue to help those who are having such a positive impact on the lives of Liberians.”

mong the charities to benefit from Donation Cargo, according to FSNR, are the International Book Project, which has provided more than 8,000 English, math and science textbooks to Liberian schoolchildren, and the Peanut Butter House, which provides peanuts, powdered milk, vitamins and other nutritious items to hospital patients and orphans.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)