While it's already been a few short months since Hurricane Helene made landfall, leaving a path of destruction in its wake, unfortunately that destruction hasn't yet been fully remedied. People in the South and East are still dealing with the storm's aftermath, and will be doing so for quite some time.
Though it's already out of the front-page news, people around the area are continuing to pick up the pieces of their lives, as well as mourning those who've been lost. To aid in those efforts, as well as to continue cleaning up debris, fallen trees, and more, Kawasaki recently announced that the company will be donating 10 Mule UTVs to assist four fire departments in the affected area.
Good on you, Kawasaki.
According to the press release, Kawasaki will donate 10 Mule PRO-DXT units, complete with the brand's 993cc three-cylinder diesel engines. The 10 machines are headed to first responders in North Carolina, specifically in some of the rural areas which were hit pretty hard.
"We’re proud to support the local fire and rescue agencies and contribute to the ongoing clean up following the devastating storm,” said Anthony Kestler, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A ahead of the release, adding, “We have partnered with four hard-working local agencies that are making a difference in their community with our great Kawasaki products."
Likewise, the release states that the 10 side-by-sides will be heading to Gerton Fire & Rescue, Bat Cave VFD, Riceville VFD and Reems Creek VFD "to help their communities recover from the tragic damage caused by the recent hurricane."
It's honestly pretty heartwarming to see companies like Kawasaki helping to support the communities it serves in times of need. And for anyone so devastated by the storm, I'm sure they're appreciative of the support. Hopefully, others will step up, too, and help folks who are still hurting. They may not be as in the forefront of folks' minds, since this disaster is no longer on TVs or on the front page of their papers, but the need for help is ongoing.
