OREANDA-NEWS. December 22, 2011. With its latest round of charitable giving announced today, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. surpassed USD 75 million in philanthropic contributions to local communities in Ohio. This total includes more than USD 50 million in direct corporate grants to non-profit organizations, USD 22 million from Honda associate contributions and USD 3 million in donated products and services.

Honda reached this milestone with the recent announcement of nearly USD 300,000 in new grants to several Central Ohio organizations. Earlier today, company officials recognized this accomplishment at a small celebration at the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, which was granted USD 100,000 for its capital campaign.

Since 1979, Honda's charitable giving programs have supported numerous local needs and programs. These include major grants to hospitals, community centers, theaters, food banks, after-school programs, nature preserves and parks.

"From the beginning, our aim has been to be a good neighbor and to support the many organizations that are dedicated to improving the communities around us," said Honda of America Vice President Rick Schostek. "By partnering with great organizations like the YMCA, we've been able to support a number of important initiatives that have enriched many lives."

While Honda has engaged directly with a wide range of charitable organizations, it is the company's associates that have been instrumental to carrying out its community initiatives. Over the past 30 years, Honda associates have contributed more than USD 22 million to hundreds of United Way agencies. In addition, associates have also volunteered more than 660,000 hours of service to local non-profit organizations of their choice through the company's Honda Hero program. Honda has directly supported these associates by providing nearly USD 1.6 million to their organizations.

"Beyond the number, USD 75 million in philanthropy really represents the efforts of thousands of Honda associates who genuinely care about our communities and want to make a difference by getting involved," said Caroline Ramsey, government and community relations manager for Honda of America. "Our philanthropic donations have assisted a wide variety of community needs and we remain committed to ongoing partnerships with non-profit organizations throughout the region."