Bridgestone Helps Mercy Ships With Tyres

Brussels, (Dec. 19, 2008) — Bridgestone donated a new consignment of tyres to Mercy Ships on 2 December, continuing its support for the international charity that delivers ‘hope and healing’ to the world’s forgotten poor.

The rugged Bridgestone 4x4 Dueler tyres will enable Mercy Ships vehicles to travel across difficult terrain to reach remote medical facilities and development sites in West Africa. They were handed over to Mercy Ships in Moerdijk at the local Bridgestone HQ by Peter Van Der Wal, Managing Director, Bridgestone Netherlands.



“We have to be able to count on top quality equipment for our work in West Africa” says Aad van Noppen, Office and Procurement Manager (Gifts in Kind) Mercy Ships, Netherlands. “The dirt tracks and terrain create some of the toughest conditions in the world for vehicles.”

Mercy Ships runs hospital ships with multi-national staff to bring medical and surgical services to some of the world's poorest regions. In recent years it has focused on the massive need for healthcare assistance in West Africa which has led to the establishment of permanent land-based clinics. The charity also helps local communities develop sustainable water, sanitation and education programmes.


“We are confident that these tyres will help Mercy Ships in their great work” says Des Collins, Vice President, European Communications Office, Bridgestone Europe. “Bridgestone operates a sister company in Liberia, Firestone Natural Rubber Company, which employs more than 6,000 people in the production of natural rubber. As a part of its commitment to employees and their families in Liberia, Firestone operates its own schools and hospitals there, so we are fully aware of the need for healthcare and education in this region.”
www.mercyships.org

Bridgestone Europe NV/SA- with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. Through its subsidiary manufacturing companies it develops and produces top-quality tyres in Europe. Its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels distribute the tyres all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan