MOLINE, Ill. (Aug. 22, 2016) - Declared “the worst disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy” by the American Red Cross, the historic flooding to ravage Louisiana has claimed at least 13 lives, made 20 parishes federal disaster areas and forced thousands of people from their homes.

To help those in the equipment rental industry, their families and communities that have been severely impacted by this unprecedented disaster, the ARA Foundation has donated $5,000 to the American Red Cross for first-responder relief efforts.

“Disaster relief is a major initiative of the ARA Foundation. The disaster that has hit Louisiana and will continue to impact the area for a long time to come has resulted in loss of human life and devastation of lives and property. The ARA Foundation board of trustees felt it was a natural extension of its mission to help in this way,” said Christine Wehrman, ARA Foundation executive director.

“I am so pleased that the ARA Foundation continues to take a proactive approach to these horrific disasters,” said Rhonda Pedersen, vice chair of the ARA Foundation. “This donation will go a long way in helping members and their communities in their times of need. I am extremely proud to be part of a group that cares about everyone in the industry as the ARA Foundation does.”

“The ARA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the equipment rental industry. It is there to help those in our industry and the communities they serve,” Wehrman said. “This donation is a testament to that dedication to help in times of need.”

For more information, visit ARA.