Auburn Hills Firefighters’ Helping Hands Accepts $10,000 Donation from Continental AG to Make Holidays Brighter for Families in Need

Helping Hands Offers Assistance Year-Round with
Scholarships, Heating Fund for Seniors and Aid to Families Devastated by Fire

Media contacts: Stephanie Carroll, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6802; scarroll@auburnhills.org; Larry Basaj, City of Auburn Hills; 248-370-9461

Auburn Hills, MI—December 12, 2014—The City of Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovation and growth, is pleased to announce that Auburn Hills Firefighters’ Helping Hands will continue to make a difference in the community this holiday season as a result of the generous support of Continental AG. The City’s fifth-largest employer made a $10,000 donation on December 15 to help the charitable organization provide assistance to families in need.

“We are fortunate to have such generous corporations in Auburn Hills that are willing to give back to the community. Helping Hands provides food, Christmas gifts, and assistance with energy bills to families who struggle to make it through the holidays and the cold winter. All of this work would not be possible without great supporters like Continental” said Mayor Kevin McDaniel.

This marks the sixth consecutive year that Continental has contributed to the Helping Hands charity. Continental supports a number of charitable organizations throughout the year within the communities it operates. The company supports non-profit organizations focusing on poverty relief, human services and educational improvement.

“Continental is committed to the citizens of Auburn Hills. We are a proud member of the community and we are pleased to once again contribute to the worthy efforts of the Helping Hands organization,” said Samir Salman, Chief Executive Officer, Continental North America. “This community is fortunate to have a group of dedicated firefighters who work hard throughout the year to take care of the people in our local area. We hope that this donation helps alleviate some of the hardships experienced during this holiday season.”

According to Auburn Hills Deputy Director of Emergency Services Jim Manning, the Continental donation comes at a time when the need continues to be great. “The very generous donation from Continental will go a long way to assist families in need right here in Auburn Hills. Continental has been a long time supporter of the Auburn Hills Firefighters Helping Hands organization and its mission.”

The Helping Hands organization dates back to before 1960 and has had different names including the Pontiac Township Metropolitan Club and the Pontiac Township Goodfellows.

Once the City incorporated in 1983, the organization became the Auburn Hills Firefighters Helping Hands.

“All Auburn Hills Firefighters and department personnel are members of Helping Hands,” says President Roderick Wynn. “Our members give tirelessly to the benefit and welfare of the citizens of our city, and those in neighboring communities throughout the year. Firefighter and Medic Larry Basaj has spearheaded the giving to children and families in our community with the support of the governing board, and its members for several years now. We (Helping Hands) are only able to do this great work through the generous donations from compassionate individuals and corporations such as Continental. Their continued support and dedication to the community is greatly appreciated” Firefighter Wynn concludes.

About Continental
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual and affordable solutions. In 2013, the corporation generated sales of approximately €33.3 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs around 189,000 people in 49 countries.

About Auburn Hills
The City of Auburn Hills is a distinguished leader in southeast Michigan. Home to 21,000 residents, as well as a workday population of approximately 100,000, Auburn Hills continues to be a thriving global business address. It is home to over 70 international corporations and hosts the World and North American headquarters for numerous outstanding businesses such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Continental Automotive Systems, Faurecia, and BorgWarner. Auburn Hills’ residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, the award winning Palace of Auburn Hills sports and entertainment complex and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the state’s largest destination shopping centers, providing a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers and visitors. Learn more at www.auburnhills.org.

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