“While the circumstances surrounding Hurricane Helene are devastating, I could not be prouder of our employees, board members, dealers and owners showing up to help,” says Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen. “From delivering units to the Salvation Army to providing hundreds of generators to participating in search and rescue efforts, when our neighbors need us – we show up.”
He adds, “Serving our local communities is a foundational component of the Polaris Geared for Good mindset. Whether through vehicle or supply donations or volunteering, our employees, and the broader Polaris family, including our nationwide dealer network, has a long history of taking action.”
The Polaris Foundation has been donating vehicles to the Salvation Army’s Rescue and Relief Fleet for more than a decade to aid in various recovery efforts. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Polaris sent five new Ranger XD 1500s to expand their fleet and further aid recovery efforts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.
In addition to off-road vehicles, Polaris sent more than 200 generators, 200 quarts of oil, and several other supplies directly to North Carolina to support fire stations, and more rural mountain communities that continue to be without access to power. These efforts were supported by partners like SpaceX and NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with local dealer partner Interstate Cycle in Mooresville, NC.
“Our hearts go out to all the families and individuals affected by Hurricane Helene. At Interstate Cycle, we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Polaris and Carolina Relief to bring essential generators and supplies to those in need. We are incredibly thankful for everyone who helped make this effort possible, and to those tirelessly working on the ground.”
Other local area Polaris dealers are also acting, including Sloan’s Motorcycle-ATV, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, whose employees are spearheading donation efforts of money, food and water. Employees will be joining forces with others to create a group of over 230 vehicles traveling to Gerton, North Carolina, to aid in providing supplies, assist in clearing debris, and provide rescue and relief.
Across the U.S., Polaris is leveraging its internal giving platform, Polaris Gives, to provide employees the opportunity to double their donation through its donation match employee program. “Watching the broader off-road community rally together and activate in support of its neighbors in need is inspiring and Polaris is proud to play a part in supporting the efforts,” concludes Speetzen.
