Business & Finance
Business and Finance
Business and Finance
Thu, March 31, 2011 California Bank & Trust Announces Japan Relief Program
SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - March 31, 2011) - [ California Bank & Trust ] announced today that it will accept customer, community and employee donations in support of Japanese disaster relief efforts through May 31. CB&T will also provide matching donations to employee contributions. In addition, CB&T will waive the outgoing wire fee for customers wiring funds to Japan until April 18.
In light of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, donations and CB&T's contribution will be directed to two relief organizations: the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation's U.S. Fund for UNICEF and the Buddhist Churches of America's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. The fund will help with ongoing efforts to provide medical care and relief to those in need.
"Our thoughts and sincerest condolences go out to the people in Japan who have experienced such tremendous loss," said David Blackford, the president and CEO of California Bank & Trust. "CB&T draws on a nearly 60 year tradition of service to the Japanese-American population in California," Blackford stated. "After such a tragedy, we want to join our customers and employees in helping those who are suffering in Japan in any way that we can."
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a leader in assisting Japanese Americans in Southern California, and has partnered with UNICEF to help provide food, water, supplies and medical attention to children impacted by the disaster.
"The death toll is staggering with thousands still missing. The hard-hit area does not have enough food or water or other necessities. Many children are impacted by this disaster; they suffer from loss of shelter and services, while others have been left orphans. We appreciate California Bank & Trust's support as we work to help those in Japan who have lost so much and those who are the most vulnerable, the children," stated Toshio Hanada, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Southern California.
The Buddhist Churches of America is among the oldest and most respected Buddhist organizations in the United States. Donations made to CB&T on behalf of this organization will be forwarded to the Hongwanji's Social Welfare Department to help with relief efforts in Japan.
Bishop Koshin Ogui of the Buddhist Churches of America stated, "The devastating earthquake and ensuing tsunami which struck Japan has left, in its wake, a tragedy beyond our comprehension. The enormous loss of life, the damage to the infrastructure, and the effects on the livelihoods of so many people is tremendous. Our hearts and thoughts go out to those who are suffering as a result of this disaster. With CB&T's assistance we will do our part to demonstrate our support for those in need in Japan."
To make a donation to CB&T's Japan Relief Program, customers and community members may write a check to "U.S. Fund for UNICEF" (Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation) or "CB&T for BCA" (Buddhist Churches of America.) Indicate "Japanese Relief Program" on the memo line. CB&T branch locations and hours can be found at [ www.calbanktrust.com/locations ].
Additional information about CB&T's partnering organizations may be found at [ http://www.jccsc.com/en/ ] and [ http://www.bcahq.org/ ]
About California Bank & Trust
California Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorporation (
