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