Sled Manufacturers Donate Big to Fort McMurray Fire Relief
Two snowmobile manufacturers, Polaris Industries and BRP, have stepped forward with large donations to assist in the Fort McMurray fire relief efforts.
Polaris Industries Inc. has donated $10,000, through the Canadian Red Cross, plus the use of five Polaris RANGER utility vehicles and Polaris generators to the Fort McMurray fire relief in response to the wildfires that have ravaged the city.
BRP, in solidarity with local dealer Raven Motorsports, provided a $20,000 donation to the Wood Buffalo Community Food Bank that is struggling to answer the demand as families and individuals return to their devastated communities. BRP’s donation supplements Raven’s own contribution of $10,000.
Sled Manufacturers Donate Large Sums to Fort McMurray Fire Relief
“It was important to us to help the communities of Alberta and the Fort McMurray—where many Polaris riders live—to rebuild after the devastating fires,” said Norm Sukkau, Polaris Canadian General Sales Manager. “Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the fires—including Four Season Power Sports, one of our locally owned dealerships.”
Owned by Gene Ouellette and operated by his 15-member staff, Four Seasons Power Sports suffered catastrophic and total loss in the Fort McMurray fire. Ouellette’s team is determined to come back stronger. “We are making plans to rebuild and are focused on renewing our support to the community that is our home,” said Gene Ouellette. “Every one of our staff is passionate about powersports and want to get back to work. We’re very appreciative to have such huge support from the Polaris family.”
As part of their donation, Polaris also is asking employees in Canada and the U.S., dealers and their vendor community to donate funds to the effort through the Canadian Red Cross Polaris Microsite. The Canadian Government will match every dollar raised by the Canadian Red Cross.
Meanwhile, BRP made efforts along with Raven Truck and Motorsports to address the needs in re-entry efforts.
“This event has not only impacted the local population, it has brought significant change to Alberta,” said Richard Balan, president, RTA (Raven Truck Accessories) Holdings. “We are very proud of how our organization, vendors and partners have pulled together with the entire province to assist with the rebuilding and to help those in need.”
“Our commitment to Fort McMurray and our desire to contribute helps our family continue to deal with this challenging experience, as we work to re-open our business,” said Sandy and Jason Glasbergen, Local Owner Operators, Raven Motorsports.
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Update from Four Seasons Powersports:
“As most of you are aware, we lost our Business in the wildfire that swept through our city. We are open in our new location (291 MacAlpine Cres, Unit 115) and would like to thank the customers that have supported us in the long process of getting up and running again. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as a lot of things are different then they were in our waterways location. We look forward to serving you in the future.
Staff of Four Seasons Powersports”