Show your pink caps this October

Media Release – 26.09.12

Bridgestone New Zealand

Showing your pink caps this October for New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising

Bridgestone encourages all drivers to support breast cancer research and awareness with its largest yet Pink Cap Drive Campaign

Fast Facts

• 2012 campaign kicks off Monday 1 October.

• A Facebook contest looks for the best pink cap photo.

• $300,000 has been raised for the NZBCF since the launch of the campaign in 2008.

• Pink tyre valve caps will be sold at 184 Bridgestone and Firestone locations across the country.

• 100% of funds raised go directly to the NZBCF.

• Ambassadors for the campaign are to be announced.
Since 2008, Bridgestone has sold its unique pink tyre valve caps through stores nationwide to raise funds for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF). Beginning on Monday 1 October these caps will go on sale for $2 each, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the NZBCF. This year also the campaign re-launches with the aim to break Bridgestone’s previous records in fundraising and national awareness, supporting the women and men affected every day by breast cancer.

The Pink Cap Drive Campaign has attracted New Zealanders across all age groups, genders and walks of life since it began in 2008. Over the years, it’s touched the hearts and tyres of police, long-haul truck drivers, forklift drivers, lawnmowers, farmers’ tractors, dump trucks, steam rollers, graders, fire engines, NZ Air Force planes, pushchairs and kids’ scooters. Bridgestone hopes to see its iconic pink caps on a larger range of vehicles this October. There are no limits to the ways individuals and organisations can get behind this great cause.

“The campaign has grown each year which we’re delighted with,” says Evangelia Henderson, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. “Breast cancer affects more than just women. Men can get breast cancer too, and whether man or woman, the disease affects more than the individual diagnosed. This is a disease that affects whole families and communities. We love that Bridgestone can take such a serious issue and give it such a unique and playful spin. They’re helping to encourage women to do something simple and smart – to check their own breasts for changes, to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and have mammograms from age 40. They’re helping men to remind their partners, wives and daughters to be aware. And they’re giving everyone an opportunity to show their support for the breast cancer cause by showing a little bit of pink on their cars, trucks, bikes and fleets.”

2012 will be a very integrated campaign, with social media playing a huge part. Last year, Bridgestone and Firestone stores received dozens of photo submissions, so this year it’s been made easy for supporters with a Facebook campaign inviting participants to post photos of their vehicles decked out in pink caps and to share their stories and experiences.

“Just as New Zealand blokes take responsibility for their vehicles, they should do the same for the women in their lives, and for themselves,” says Ken Oyama, Director - NZ Business at Bridgestone New Zealand. “Breast cancer and tyres may not have a lot to do with one another on the surface, but if you dig a bit deeper, you’ll find many connections. Both require maintenance, safety checks, due diligence and proactive protection. This year, we’re able to get people involved in new, very tangible ways, and we’re excited.”

About Bridgestone New Zealand Limited

Bridgestone New Zealand Limited was formed in September 1998, following the merger of two of the world’s premier tyre companies: Bridgestone and Firestone. Today the Bridgestone Corporation is the world’s leading tyre manufacturer, supplying quality tyres for cars, trucks, buses, construction and mining vehicles, industrial machinery, agricultural machinery, aircraft, motorcycles and others. In New Zealand, Bridgestone, Firestone and Supercat branded tyres are available throughout the country at a number of retailers, including Firestone, Bridgestone Select, Tony’s Tyre Service, Bridgestone Firestone Commercial, Bridgestone Truck Centre, Bridgestone Tyre Centre and other Bridgestone stockists. These retailers also provide a comprehensive range of tyre-related services. Bridgestone New Zealand Limited has been awarded the internationally recognised carboNZeroCertTM certification since 2010. The Pink Cap Campaign is part of Bridgestone’s wider commitment to contribute to society and the environment through their operations and a number of ongoing initiatives. http://www.bridgestone.co.nz/

About the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation is the country’s foremost breast cancer education and awareness organisation. It is a non-government funded charitable trust promoting awareness of breast cancer, providing information and education, and raising funds to support breast cancer related initiatives including research, scholarships, medical grants, and the breast cancer patient registers. It also supports initiatives to help women with breast cancer around New Zealand. The Foundation was specifically established to educate all New Zealanders on the life-saving benefits of early detection and the importance of mammograms. Its symbol is the ‘pink ribbon’. http://www.nzbcf.org.nz/

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