On November 9th,
2007, Mr. Masami Murata, a president of SANYO North America Corporation
presented a donation of $100,000.00 US dollars to American Red Cross on
behalf of the SANYO group of companies in North America to support the
relief effort resulting from the 2007 Southern California Wild Fire.
In addition, SANYO employees throughout North America have also
pledged to support the efforts by collecting funds for this worthy case.
The
fire, which began burning across Southern California on October 20th,
2007, destroyed at least 1,500 homes, and scorched over 500,000 acres
from Santa Barbara to the US-Mexico Border, where SANYO San Diego
offices are located.
San Diego’s major sports venue,
Qualicomm Stadium served as a Fire Shelter at this time, and Hideo
Nakai, a senior vice president of SANYO North America Corporation was
one of the many evacuees who were placed there. "I was truly amazed to
see so many volunteers who were ready and willing to help others."
Nakai explained in discussing his experiences during the fire at
Qualcomm stadium. Not only evacuated residences but also their pets,
such as dogs and horses were accommodated with a good care at Qualcomme
stadium.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared
stated of emergency, and President George W. Bush concurred and ordered
federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts. Over
6,000 fire fighters worked to fight the blazes, and 60 fire fighters
from Mexican cities of Tijuana and Tecate joined the efforts.
Photo from left to right:
Mr. Masami Murata – president SANYO North America Corporation
Mr. Mr. Joe Craver, CEO of the American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter