Namco Bandai donates generously to Christchurch

Game, toy and anime company Namco Bandai has donated generously to the people of Christchurch despite the struggles of its corporate home, Japan, through its own devastating earthquake and aftermath.

A gift of €20,000 (approx NZ$35,000) was made last week, by executives from Namco Bandai to the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Buildings Fund Trust.

Chairman of the trust, Anna Crighton, said there are currently 900 buildings identified for demoliton or partial-demolition in the centre of Christchurch, and Namco Bandai's donation will be used towards the restoration of those buildings that are uniquely Christchurch.

Under a dollar-for-dollar matching scheme, the Government will be doubling the donation.

The entertainment company, which assumed much of the old Atari holdings and is responsible for games like Tekken and Ace Combat, has a history of corporate generosity. Shu Takahara, president and CEO of Namco Bandai Europe, said the company usually focused its giving on areas related to gaming or children - but in cases of significant damage, such as last year's floods in Pakistan, the Christchurch earthquake or Japan's own earthquake and tsunami, it also made donations.