BY KAULANA PARK FOR AMERICAN SAVINGS – HONOLULU – American Savings Bank (ASB) today announced it has joined the coordinated, statewide “Aloha for Japan” relief effort to benefit victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Starting today, all ASB branch locations will serve as collection points for monetary donations to the relief fund. To lead the donation efforts, ASB will contribute $50,000 to the fund and has pledged to match up to $25,000 in employee contributions made through April 15, 2011.
“Last week’s earthquake and resulting tsunami have significantly impacted the people of Japan and neighboring regions. Many of our employees and members of the community have close ties to Japan and expressed their desire to help those who have been affected,” said Rich Wacker, ASB President and CEO. “ASB is proud to join the relief efforts by serving as a collection point for donations and contributing $50,000. In an effort to encourage our employees to contribute, ASB will also match up to $25,000 in employee contributions made through April 15, 2011.”
As part of the “Aloha for Japan” relief effort, the public is invited to make a contribution to the “Aloha for Japan” fund at any of ASB’s 57 branches across the state starting today through April 15, 2011. All funds collected through ASB will be donated to the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) and ultimately given to the Japan Red Cross Society for earthquake and tsunami victim relief in Japan.
Checks should be made payable to “Aloha for Japan.” Cash donations will also be accepted by its branch tellers statewide.
The Japanese Red Cross Society (Nippon Sekijujisha) was founded in 1877 and has an extensive network of branches in cities, towns and villages throughout Japan. The Imperial Family of Japan has traditionally supported the society with Her Majesty the Empress serving as Honorary President.
JASH is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, dedicated to promoting understanding and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States through the special and unique perspective of Hawaii. JASH provides a variety of social, cultural, and educational programs to the membership and the community.
Serving Hawaii’s businesses and communities for more than 85 years, American Savings Bank provides a full range of financial products and services, including commercial banking, consumer banking, insurance, and investments.