• Bridgestone's 'Drive for a Cure' campaign generates more than $40,000 for cancer charity.
• Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand to invest funds raised into research support and care.
• Initiative is part of Bridgestone's ongoing commitment to giving back to the NZ community.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (10 May, 2022) — New Zealand motorists have raised more than $40,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) by choosing Bridgestone tyres during the 'Drive for a Cure' campaign.

New Zealand's most trusted tyre brand, Bridgestone committed a donation to LBC for every tyre sold through its national network of Bridgestone Select and Bridgestone Tyre Centre locations throughout February, with a total of $40,584 raised during the period.

According to LBC CEO, Peter Fergusson, the funds raised will make a significant difference in supporting the 21,000 New Zealanders living with blood cancer.

"The last two years have required adaptability and flexibility by the dedicated staff at Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand so that we could continue our vital work with our vision to cure and our mission to care. This commitment was shared by our donors, our volunteers and our partners including Bridgestone NZ," Mr Fergusson said.

"Our heartfelt thanks to you all as through your Drive for a Cure campaign, you have helped us achieve so much. And together, we look forward to driving more significant progress in the future that will help improve the lives of people impacted by blood cancer through our research support and care."

Eight Kiwis are diagnosed with blood cancer each day, making it the fifth most common form of cancer in the country. Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand supports patients and families with personalised assistance, providing information and education, funding research, raising awareness, and advocacy.

Bridgestone has partnered with LBC since 2017, raising in excess of $150,000 through various initiatives and through participation in the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge, Shave for a Cure, and StepUp events in support of LBC.

Bridgestone's Director of New Zealand Business, John Staples, is proud to continue the fundraising for the organisation and says it's a core part of the company's local initiatives.

"Bridgestone is committed to giving back to communities all around the world, and our ongoing support of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand is an excellent example of how we are supporting the New Zealand community," Mr Staples said.

"We're delighted that our customers have helped us raise more than $40,000, and furthermore that the funds will go towards assisting people living with blood cancer in New Zealand."

Bridgestone Corporation recently launched 'Bridgestone E8 Commitment', the company's global platform for value co-creation towards a more sustainable future, integrating purpose and process to address environmental and social factors.

The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is how the company will realise its long-term, 2050 vision of providing social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company through the values of: energy, ecology, efficiency, extension, economy, emotion, ease and empowerment. 

The LBC partnership supports the Bridgestone E8 Commitment's values of empowerment, a commitment to contributing to a society that ensures accessibility and dignity for all, and ease, a commitment to bringing comfort and peace of mind to mobility.

"Our support of Leukemia & Blood Cancer NZ is important to Bridgestone, because we believe all New Zealanders should benefit from access to care and opportunities, in line with Bridgestone's values," Mr Staples added.

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