ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is reaching out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. After realizing the extreme devastation to the Gulf Coast, ESAB immediately responded by sending a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross and by transporting bottled water to the region. ESAB senior management is currently in the region to develop a long-term plan to help with the rebuilding efforts. Throughout North America, ESAB employees are collecting supplies and donating money. Additionally, ESAB is matching employee donations and holding a fundraiser at its annual event at this year’s GAWDA convention.
“The devastation caused by this event is incomprehensible,” said Andy Blanchard, President and CEO of ESAB, North America. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy and we hope that our donations will help to bring necessary supplies and relief to those suffering, as they rebuild their communities and their lives.”
Many ESAB customers and employees were in the path of the storm and sustained major damage to their homes and businesses, in some cases losing everything. Understanding their immediate need for basic life necessities, ESAB dispatched 4,500 gallons of bottled water to the Mississippi region from their plant in Hanover, PA. ESAB distributor Nordan-Smith generously provided the means and support to get the water to the hardest hit areas.
Jeff Hoffart, Senior Vice-President of Equipment, Cutting Systems and Steel Industry Products, has already left for the region. “I was scheduled to be in Germany, but this is too important. I really need to go there personally to see how ESAB can help,” said Hoffart. “It is critical to get the right equipment there and get it there fast. The only way to do this is by assessing the needs in the hardest hit areas first hand.” After the initial needs assessment, ESAB will partner with distributor network in the region to help in the rebuilding effort.
ESAB employees are donating money and needed supplies at all the ESAB facilities in North America. ESAB is also matching employee donations dollar for dollar. Many ESAB employees at the Florence facility remember Hurricane Hugo and know what an impact a hurricane can have on daily life. “I remember Hurricane Hugo and how bad things were for us in the Carolinas, but it doesn’t even compare to what’s happened along the Gulf Coast, said Judy Chavis, an ESAB employee. “We were lucky compared to them.” Another employee, Jenny Dennis echoed, “It really puts things into perspective. I pray for all those left homeless and have donated money and supplies to help them.”
Scheduled for September 20 through 23, the GAWDA convention is another chance for ESAB to reach out to the victims of Katrina. “With an event already scheduled for our distributors at the convention, we felt the need to incorporate this into our existing plan. We will have hundreds of people there and know they will want to help,” said Sue Bartholomew, ESAB Marketing Manager, North America. “We will be selling raffle tickets for some great prizes. Jesse James, founder of West Coast Choppers, is donating a custom designed, hand painted one-of-a kind welding helmet,” continued Bartholomew. Other prizes include an Ultimate Race Fan Weekend at the Nextel Cup Finals in Homestead, Florida and Richard petty Driving Experiences.
“We have many loyal customers in the devastated area that have counted on us for years. They are in desperate need,” said Blanchard. “Our customers can count on us. ESAB will be there to help them as they begin to rebuild their lives and their businesses.”
