For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Justin Leach 310-468-2762
Toyota Financial Services Sponsors ‘Spirit Day’ App for iPhone and Android, Mobilizing Users Against Bullying
TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 11, 2012 –Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
have teamed up to take a stand against bullying, joining hundreds of
celebrities, media outlets, corporations, and organizations in doing the
same. Together, the two entities launched the “Go Purple for #SpiritDay”
app, available for both iPhone and Android smartphones. The TFS
powered app provides users with anti-bullying resources, calls to
action, and a tool that can turn photos purple. These purple photos can
then be shared to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to show one’s
support for and participation in the upcoming Spirit Day on Oct. 19.
Millions of Americans will “turn purple” for Spirit Day, raising
awareness of the dangers of bullying, and showing support for lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.
“Everyone at Toyota Financial Services, and across the Toyota family,
is proud and excited to be a part of this year’s Spirit Day,” says Ann
Bybee, TFS vice president, corporate strategy, communications &
community relations. “Going purple for the day is a small but powerful
way we can all show our support for those who have been bullied or who
fear being bullied. It is so important to raise awareness that bullying
isn’t acceptable. At Toyota, we have always embraced a guiding
principle of ‘respect for people,’ which has made us the company we are
today. And it is a principle that includes not only our employees and
customers, but everyone, without exception.”
TFS is certainly in good company. The iconic New York Stock Exchange
will light up in purple for Spirit Day, as will the LAX Pylon Lights
and the JFK traffic tower. MTV Networks and Logo will turn their on-air
logos purple. American Apparel will feature purple clothing items on
its website. The National Basketball Association (NBA), Women’s
National Basketball Association (WNBA), and many supportive celebrities,
such as blogger Perez Hilton, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, TV icon
George Takei, and talk show host Wendy Williams, will join the ranks of
past Spirit Day participants Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks,
Ricky Martin, Cher, and Julianne Moore. And the list goes on;
corporations including AMC Entertainment, AT&T, CNBC, Delta Air
Lines, Facebook, Hewlett-Packard, McGraw-Hill, Omnicom, Warner Bros.,
and Yahoo! will all participate by encouraging their employees to wear
purple, turning their logo purple, and/or participating through social
media.
“By going purple for Spirit Day, millions of Americans are helping to
send a clear message that no one should be bullied simply because of
who they are,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick.
Supporters are encouraged to take the Spirit Day pledge at www.glaad.org/spiritday, and download the “Go Purple for #SpiritDay” app.
About Toyota Financial Services
TFS is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United
States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor
Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust, and extended service
contracts through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). Lexus
Financial Services is the brand for financial products for Lexus dealers
and customers. TFS currently employs over 3,300 associates nationwide,
and has managed assets totaling $91.7 billion. It is part of a
worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota
Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota
Motor Corporation. For more information, please visit www.toyotafinancial.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment