Bridgestone Firestone Builds a Brighter Future for Michigan Families
NOVI, Mich. (June 9, 2008) – Plywood, drywall and nails will not build a tire but they can build a dream. In June, the Consumer OE Tire Sales division of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) will team with Habitat for Humanity® of Oakland County to help construct a home for a local family in need.
During Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County’s 2008 Build Blitz, June 13-28, BFNT Consumer OE Tire Sales division teammates – many accompanied by a family member – will commit their work day to help build one of four new Habitat for Humanity homes on Ferry Street in southeast Pontiac, Mich.
BFNT has helped construct a total of six new residential homes in the Pontiac area since 2002 via combined volunteer hours and financial support. In that time, more than 1,000 total volunteer hours have been invested by BFNT to saw lumber, pound nails, raise walls, hang siding and paint toward a brighter future for the grateful families.
“It is rewarding to see how dramatically the quality of life can improve for families with the completion of their new home,” said Michael Martini, President, Consumer OE Tire Sales, BFNT. “It’s certainly an experience worth repeating year-after-year.”
Those interested in pledging their support for the 2008 Build Blitz can contact Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County at 248-338-1843 or visit www.habitatoakland.org. Volunteer hours, financial contributions and charitable donations – including building materials – will help ensure that many more families realize their dream of owning a home.
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County is one of many Detroit community outreach initiatives embraced by BFNT’s Consumer OE Tire Sales division. The company’s charitable endeavors include the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s (DIO) annual EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show as well as support for the renovation of Belle Isle where, in 2007, Bridgestone Firestone funded the revitalization of a 2,700-square-foot playground on the southeast corner of the island park.
About Habitat for Humanity International:
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
About Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America. In addition, through its industry-leading Bandag brand, BFNT develops, manufactures, markets and sells retreading materials and equipment.