BUSINESSES across the region are pulling together to help tsunami victims after an appeal by a Japanese carmaker based in the North East.
Chiefs at Sunderland’s Nissan plant are calling for funds on behalf of the British Red Cross as the extent of the devastation in Japan continues to shock the world. Emergency services estimate a staggering 18,000 people have lost their lives in the disaster so far while the World Bank has said the country’s economy could take years to recover.
In a heartfelt plea to members of the Confederation of Business and Industry (CBI) North East, Kevin Fitzpatrick, the UK vice president of manufacturing for Nissan, said: “At Nissan’s Sunderland plant we have been heartened by the generosity and messages of solidarity received from the North East and from across the UK.
“When the earthquake and tsunami hit, our initial focus was naturally to confirm the safety of all our staff.
“And from then on Nissan companies across the world have been focusing their efforts on helping our Japanese friends and colleagues. These people are in desperate need of emergency help.
“Nissan has chosen the Red Cross as the charity through which our funds are being channelled.
“The charity has been on the ground since the disaster began with 86 teams made up of around 600 doctors, nurses and support staff providing first aid and distributing relief items.”
Globally the firm has raised around £3.1m for victims while the country attempts to keep a nuclear emergency at bay in its stations at Fukushima.
Sarah Green, regional director of CBI North East, hopes businesses will dig deep. She said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all whose lives have been affected by the natural disaster in Japan.
“This is a great effort from Nissan Sunderland to support their colleagues’ communities in Japan that need emergency help.
“We hope the relief operation and support from the world and its business communities will assist Japan to recover from these terrible events.
“I would encourage any business that can, to pledge support.”
Businesses or individuals can help the carmaker raise funds at: www.redcross.org.uk/japannissan
