The 240 generators donated by Briggs & Stratton to provide power to areas of Haiti devastated by a January earthquake remained tied up in customs several weeks after being shipped. With such resources “wasting away” in a nation that could truly use any help available, the generators’ plight caught the attention of singer Jimmy Buffett, who was in the Caribbean nation as part of his own relief effort.

A donation plan established by Walbro Engine Management to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti has netted $27,030 for the American Red Cross, a major provider of aid to the stricken country. The total represents a combination of employee donations and a corporate matching program. For each employee’s $1.00 contribution, Walbro Engine Management added $5.00.

Tony Martin, President & CEO of Walbro, commended the generosity of Walbro employees throughout the world. “Our employees have demonstrated their concern for the victims of this tragic earthquake. We are pleased to build on their generosity at the corporate level in support of the important efforts of the American Red Cross in Haiti.”

Kubota Corp.’s affiliated companies in the U.S. and Canada, including Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC), Kubota Credit Corp. (KCC), Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA), Kubota Industrial Equipment (KIE), Kubota Engine America Corp. (KEA) and Kubota Canada, Ltd., have donated $50,000 in equipment in-kind for ongoing relief efforts in Haiti. Kubota has provided generators and other electronic and first aid supplies through the California-based Operation USA.

In addition, Kubota Corpo. of Osaka, Japan, has already made a contribution of $110,000 to the Japanese Red Cross Society for earthquake relief assistance.  The combined Kubota Corp. worldwide donation also represents contributions from affiliated companies in Europe, Asia, and Australia.