Continental’s Tsunami Pledge Goes to Homeless and Fishermen

The $500,000 pledged by Continental AG to the victims of the tsunami in Asia will go mainly to the benefit of the homeless and fishermen, a company statement explains. A large share of the funds will be put to use in Malaysia, where the automotive supplier also has two tyre plants. Indonesia and Sri Lanka will also receive aid.

Continental has presented a cheque for $200,000 to the government of the Malaysian state of Kedah. Half of the money will be used to finance a project there for emergency housing, providing temporary homes for more than 100 families who lost their houses in the tsunami. With the other half Continental is also supporting the region’s fishermen whose boats and equipment were heavily damaged in the catastrophe.

“We decided to provide these fishermen with funding so they can continue with their lives in this difficult time,” said Dieter Saar, head of Continental Sime Tyres in Malaysia. “The government there is concentrating on compensating the fishermen for their losses so that they can have their boats and fishing equipment repaired, but in the meantime these persons cannot earn a living. With our contribution, we want to make sure that they will be able to meet their families’ needs until they are able to fish again,” Mr Saar added.