Toyota in Canada reaches out to help Haiti following earthquake

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS) donate $35,000 to Canadian Red Cross. Both companies will also match individual employee contributions.

TORONTO , Jan. 15 /CNW/ - Adding local support to a global relief effort, Toyota Canada Inc. (through the Toyota Canada Foundation) and Toyota Financial Services today committed $35,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help those in need following the earthquake that devastated Haiti January 12th .

In parallel with the Government of Canada's program to match individual donations, both companies will also match individual employee donations dollar for dollar.

"Canadians are quick to open their hearts and wallets when disaster strikes. This is a value that we hold dear as citizens of this country and that's why we are acting so quickly to do what we can to help with the Haitian earthquake relief effort," explained Mr. Yoichi Tomihara , President & CEO Toyota Canada Inc. "Many of our Toyota and Lexus customers and associates have been very generous in contributing to the relief effort, and today's donation and matching program is a way that we can recognize that and lend our support as well."

" Canada has a large Haitian community and this is a way that we can support the community at this difficult time," added Larry Baldesarra, President of Toyota Financial Services. "Our thoughts are with those in Haiti - and the many Canadians who have family and friends there."

The Toyota Canada Foundation, which organizes Toyota's corporate social responsibility activities and co-ordinates contributions, has pledged $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross.

Toyota Financial Services is contributing an additional $10,000 .

For further information: including a list of media contacts, please visit media.toyota.ca