JCB Launches Coast-to-Coast Campaign for Haiti Relief

March 21, 2010
In response to the ongoing needs in Haiti, JCB, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction equipment, is launching a Backhoe Across America charity drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. The campaign features a JCB 3CX backhoe loader, which will travel from Georgia to California to raise still-needed funds that will be critical to Haiti’s long-term rebuilding efforts.

In response to the ongoing needs in Haiti, JCB, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction equipment, is launching a Backhoe Across America charity drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. The campaign features a JCB 3CX backhoe loader, which will travel from Georgia to California to raise still-needed funds that will be critical to Haiti’s long-term rebuilding efforts.

JCB has established a fund-raising goal of $1 million, all of which JCB will donate during the 26-day trip to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The JCB 3CX backhoe loader will begin its trip March 26 from the beach at Tybee Island, Ga., and will travel more than 3,000 miles, making fundraising stops at JCB dealerships in nine cities along the way, before reaching its final destination — the beach at the Santa Monica pier in Santa Monica, Calif. — on April 20.

“Haiti’s road to recovery will be long and difficult,” said John Patterson, chairman and CEO of JCB. “On behalf of everyone at JCB, we hope that the miles traveled and donations secured during Backhoe Across America will help ease the burden of the journey that lies ahead for this devastated nation.”

The backhoe will be driven by Neil Smith, veteran of 37 years employment with JCB.

To make a donation, visit one of the 11 route stops or go to www.JCBforHaiti.com.