TOYOTA'S CONTINUOUS DEDICATION TO PHILANTHROPY
November 4th, 2013 - COLUMBUS, Ind. -Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), supplier of the number one selling lift truck in North America, remains committed to philanthropic efforts for various organizations that benefit the environment, veterans groups, safety issues and local community-related groups.
Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and groups dedicated to helping, Toyota has created employment opportunities, provided financial contributions for disaster relief, and supported safety-related issues and environmentally friendly efforts.
"It is a priority for Toyota and our associates to support the advancement of society- whether it is to better the environment or lend a helping hand to those that need it," said Jeff Rufener, president of TMHU.
Toyota Plants More than 50,000 Trees through Arbor Day Foundation
Through a long-term partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Toyota has helped plant more than 50,000 trees across the United States. For every designated Toyota lift truck sold, Toyota has made a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to have a tree planted in a forest damaged by fire or other natural causes in the U.S. and in Canada. In addition, for every new 8-Series lift truck sold in 2013, Toyota will make a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to have a tree planted. Toyota estimates the donation will equate to 30,000 trees.
Providing a Lift to Veterans
Toyota's "Giving Veterans a Lift" program was created to help the country's veterans by offering discounted operator safety training for those interested in becoming certified forklift operators. The program also assists Toyota's dealers in recruiting qualified service technicians, while at the same time providing veterans with employment. In addition to providing employment opportunities, Toyota has provided financial donations to various veterans groups such as: Hire Heroes USA, Wounded Warrior Project and many more.
Local Communities Benefit from Toyota's Commitment to Safety
In addition to manufacturing the 8-Series lift trucks that offer leading-edge safety technology such as Toyota's exclusive System of Active Stability™ (SAS), Toyota also invested in safety for the local communities of Irvine, Calif. (former national headquarters) and Columbus, Ind. (new headquarters and home of the manufacturing plant). TMHU sponsored events for free inspections of child safety seats and booster seats with the help of certified child passenger safety technicians and volunteers from SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. Toyota associates supported the events by participating in the events as volunteers. The Columbus, Ind. safety event took place at the headquarters of juvenile products manufacturer, Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
Toyota Supports Local Educational Program
In an effort to contribute and enrich the Plainfield, Ind., Vincennes University Logistics Education and Training Center, Toyota donated equipment and resources to further the goals of the University's material handling and warehouse training programs. By providing lift truck engines, lift trucks and hands-on instruction in TMHU's "Train-the-Trainer" Operator Safety Program, Toyota is offering students a valuable hands-on opportunity to gain the required skills necessary to maintain and safely operate a forklift.
"Denim for Dollars" Provide Support for National Charities
Created to build community support and associate morale, Toyota's "Denim for Dollars" program identifies a national nonprofit organization each month and Toyota associates are invited to contribute a minimum of $5 in exchange for getting to wear jeans to work on the last Friday of the month. Benefiting charities include: American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Make-a-Wish Foundation of America, and many more.
