Toyota Material Handling’s ongoing partnership with the American Red Cross continues to be a catalyst for good in communities the company serves through the introduction of a one-of-a-kind, co-branded bloodmobile unit.
Toyota associates and community leaders recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at
the organization’s Columbus-based headquarters to formally introduce the new bloodmobile
made possible in part by Toyota’s support.
The state-of-the-art vehicle is fitted to accommodate four donors simultaneously with an annual collection capacity of approximately 30,000 units of blood. The new bloodmobile is designed to account for COVID-19 requirements and is the first unit in the United States equipped with solar panels, reinforcing Toyota Industries Corp.’ Vision 2030 goal to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
The state-of-the-art mobile blood collection unit will support the greater southern Indiana region.
“Toyota’s collaboration with the Red Cross reflects our culture of kaizen, or continuous
improvement, while impacting countless lives throughout North America,” said Bill Finerty,
president and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “This unique bloodmobile is the next step in our joint dedication to sustainably serving our communities.”
As a former intensive care unit and emergency department nurse, Terry Stigdon, CEO of the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross, said she knows firsthand the importance of giving blood.
“This is a testament of the American Red Cross reducing our carbon footprint and part of our sustainability program,” she said. “I thank Toyota Material Handling for coming alongside us to help us do this very important work while also doing what we can to protect and support the changing environment.”
Toyota formalized its relationship with the Red Cross in 2018 in southern Indiana. Today, the
partnership’s impact can be felt throughout North America as thousands of Toyota associates
and dealers work together to create a nationwide network of passionate Red Cross supporters.
The company contributes resources to aid Red Cross projects nationwide, including financial
support, forklift safety and operation training, natural disaster relief, equipment donations and
more.
Notably, in the midst of Hurricane Ian’s devastation last year, Toyota took charge of
assisting Red Cross community restoration efforts by donating the use of 43 material handling equipment units and providing a $100,000 donation. In addition, Toyota associates sprang into action and donated 84 units of blood dedicated to victims of the disaster.
Since 2020, Toyota associates have donated more than 1,500 units of blood to the American Red Cross, impacting more than 2,500 lives.
Throughout the year, Toyota supports the Red Cross through corporate giving and a heightened level of volunteerism. The company provides office associates 16 hours of paid volunteer time each year, while shop associates receive eight hours of paid volunteer time. A percentage of those hours are earmarked for the Red Cross, fulfilling Toyota’s mantra of “Helping People Carry the Load.”
“At Toyota Material Handling, our dedication to the community is an integral part of our DNA,”
said Tracy Stachniak, vice president of human resources for Toyota Material Handling. “It goes beyond our daily operations and extends to the very heart of the communities we serve. Our partnership with the American Red Cross stands as a testament to that dedication, reflecting our belief in giving back to the communities that have supported us for so long.”
Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s unique partnership with American Red Cross and
the impact on the communities the company serves by visiting toyotaforklift.com.