The tragic events of the past few weeks have highlighted how quickly things can change for any of us, and how significantly weather-related events can impact large communities of people. Hurricane Helene has devastated portions of Western North Carolina and the surrounding areas, causing loss of life and property that would have been unimaginable until recently. While nothing can be done to replace the lives lost and the physical and emotional distress caused by this force of nature, we offer our condolences, prayers, and hopes for a speedy recovery to our neighbors in the affected areas.
The board, staff, and volunteers of the BMW CCA are working to aid recovery efforts in our South Atlantic Region, where the impact of Hurricane Helene has affected many of our members, friends, and family.
The BMW CCA headquarters is located in Greer, SC, which did experience Helene’s impact, with utilities, roads, and communications impacted for several days. But the diligent work of the linemen of the power companies, road workers, and utility workers has restored most of the area’s infrastructure. Cleanup of downed trees, damaged houses, and other remnants will take longer.
BMW CCA White Mountain Chapter Member Pete Basiliere stopped by BMW CCA Headquarters and BMW CCA Foundation after helping distribute thousands of meals in the Asheville, NC area.
Despite the scale and scope of the damage, we are also reminded of all the good that can come from working together, and how valuable contributions both big and small are to creating a better tomorrow.
BMW CCA’s Tarheel Chapter covering North Carolina and Southwest Virginia regions, has many members reeling from the destruction left by Helene, and is contributing $10,000.00 to the Red Cross Relief Fund established to help storm victims. The National BMW CCA has agreed to match that donation, in solidarity with the great people of The Old North State.
BMW CCA is also working with The BMW CCA Foundation, also headquartered in Greer, South Carolina, to develop additional relief efforts.
Every day is a step toward improving the situation in western North Carolina and surrounding impacted areas. Paul Dunlevy, President of the Tarheel Chapter, writes, “We appreciate the outpouring of support from club members to others who are in desperate need at a difficult time. This is a reflection of the best in all of us. You folks are terrific, and I am proud to be associated with this great team.”
We strongly encourage our members, friends, and families to consider supporting recovery efforts, whether that support is via volunteer work or in the form of a monetary donation.
Please visit the Red Cross Relief Fund for Hurricane Helene to donate or learn more about volunteering.
