Bridgestone Group Gives $1 Million to American Red Cross Katrina Relief Effort

In response to the devastation causedby Hurricane Katrina, the Bridgestone Global Group of Companies has donated $1million to the American Red Cross for the hurricane relief effort. More than2,200 company-owned retail stores across the United States are also offeringtheir customers a way to lend a helping hand by accepting donations on behalfof the Red Cross. "The American Red Cross is the way neighbors help neighbors in disasters,"said Marsha J. Evans, Red Cross President and CEO. "We are profoundlygrateful to the Bridgestone Global Group of Companies for being good neighborsto the countless people displaced by Hurricane Katrina." Bridgestone Corporation (BSJ) donated $900,000 and Bridgestone AmericasHolding, Inc. (BSAH), the U.S. subsidiary of BSJ, contributed $100,000.Firestone Polymers Company, an operating unit of BSAH which has a plant inLake Charles, La., also donated $10,000 along with a corporate match of up to$10,000 for company teammate contributions. In addition, consumers will beable to contribute to relief efforts at any of the more than 2,200 FirestoneComplete Auto Care, TiresPlus, ExpertTire and GCR Tire Centers locations,which have been designated Red Cross Official Cash Donation Sites. "As a global company, we are touched by the physical devastation and humansuffering that Hurricane Katrina left in her wake," said Shigeo Watanabe,Bridgestone Chairman, CEO and President. "We have teammates, customers andconsumers who have suffered terribly, and we are honored to do our part tohelp the American Red Cross alleviate some of the suffering." The American Red Cross is launching the largest mobilization of resourcesin its history for a single natural disaster. More than 500 Red Crossshelters are housing thousands of residents who fled Katrina's wrath. Morethan 250 emergency response vehicles (ERVs) and countless other Red Crossresources are on the scene to provide hot meals, snacks, bottled water anddistribute other much-needed relief supplies. In coordination with theSouthern Baptists, we have served more than 4 million hot meals to storm-wearyevacuees since before the storm made landfall. About The American Red Cross American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntarydonations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victimsof thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financialgift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the RedCross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those inneed. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Donations are beingaccepted at Coinstar machines at select grocery stores across America. To findthe nearest Coinstar machine, Contributionsto the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Crosschapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visitingAbout Bridgestone Corporation Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world's largesttire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety ofapplications, it manufactures a broad range of diversified products, whichinclude industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Itsproducts are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world. About Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) is the U.S.subsidiary of the Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubbercompany. BSAH and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a widerange of Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tiresto address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers,automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers and thosein the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies alsoproduce air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial fibersand textiles and operate the world's largest chain of automotive tire andservice centers.