Minneapolis, May 28, 2013 – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the company is donating 10 military, off-road vehicles with a combination of Run-Flat and Non-Pneumatic Tires (NPT), to enhance The Salvation Army’s ability to transport food, water and other critical supplies to survivors, in Moore, Okla. The units will be delivered from Polaris’ Osceola, Wis. plant, free of charge, thanks to a generous donation from Bay and Bay Transport and Overbye Trucking.
“With debris on the ground from thousands of destroyed homes, these vehicles will allow us to serve in places our mobile kitchens cannot,” said Lt. Col. Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Northern Division Commander. “We thank Polaris for this incredible gift. These vehicles will allow us to serve more people in crisis.”
The donated units, a combination of military ATV, RANGER and RZR vehicles, are outfitted with either Run Flat tires or NPTs to prevent down time. Run-Flat tires resist the effects of deflation when punctured giving the operator the ability to continue to use the vehicle; and NPTs are built to never go flat and are virtually indestructible.
“Oklahoma will rebound from this terrible tragedy, through the resiliency of its people and the assistance of organizations like The Salvation Army,” said Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chief Executive Officer. “Polaris has long supported their charitable efforts, and we hope the donation of these vehicles will assist them as they provide the affected communities with the relief they desperately need.”
To date, The Salvation Army has served more than 17,000 meals and snacks to tornado survivors and relief workers across Oklahoma, with pastoral care provided to about 800 people. The Salvation Army is now preparing to offer long-term case management, which can include financial assistance, stress management classes, replacement furniture and much more.
To donate to The Salvation Army’s Oklahoma tornado relief efforts:
• Give online at SalvationArmyNorth.org or call 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
• Text “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation via your mobile phone. To confirm your gift, respond “Yes.”
• Mail a check to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113. Designate your gift “Oklahoma Tornado.”