Bridgestone Retail Operations (Bridgestone), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, surprised Goldsboro youth on Nov. 21 by unveiling a new passenger van donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County that will give more kids and teens access to high-impact, out-of-school programming.
The donation is a part of Bridgestone’s Driving Great Futures initiative, which has raised over $20 million to connect kids and teens with Boys & Girls Clubs of America programs and resources across the U.S. since 2015.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County is one of 12 locations nationwide to receive a grant this year from Bridgestone to purchase a new passenger van equipped with world-class Bridgestone tires. The new van will provide transportation for kids to get to and from the Club, as well as allow for field trips, college tours and other enrichment opportunities.
Bridgestone will also support Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County by maintaining the new vehicle at its retail stores, helping to ensure that it stays in good working order.
“At Bridgestone, we believe in the transformative power of Boys & Girls Clubs programming to bridge gaps and build strong futures for young people,” said Marko Ibrahim, president, Bridgestone Retail Operations. “We are honored to help Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County reach more kids and teens who will now have access to life-changing resources and experiences.”
“This new van isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a symbol of opportunity, connection and hope for the kids and families we serve,” said Maggie Lattin, chief executive officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County. “We are grateful for the support of Bridgestone who are truly helping us drive great futures.”
In 2015, Bridgestone established its national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America with the mission of making out-of-school programming more accessible to Club youth and their families.
Through donations collected at the company’s 2,200+ retail stores, Bridgestone has contributed funds to address transportation-related needs, including maintenance and repairs of existing Club vehicles and the purchase of new vans, as well as bridge technology divides through the purchase of new computers and hotspots that support in-person Club programming, virtual classroom learning, and other technology infrastructure needs.
The Bridgestone Driving Great Futures partnership aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment which consists of eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter “E” to realize a sustainable society. The Driving Great Futures initiative is an example of the company’s commitment to “Empowerment,” which is defined as contributing to a society that ensures accessibility and dignity for all and “Emotion”, defined as inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility.
