The parent companies of the four major snowmobile manufacturers have each announced efforts they are undertaking to assist the larger community and hospital workers in general in the time of the COVID-19 conoravirus, truly showing that we’re all in this situation together.
Polaris announces on April 16 that it was donating nearly 1,300 pairs of 509- and Klim-branded goggles to the Goggles For Docs effort that is seeking to fill the void for eye protection for healthcare workers.
“During these unprecedented times, we have seen so many examples of healthcare workers and first responders working in the most demanding circumstances despite the lack of PPE for the greater good,” said Tom Delanoy, 509 founder and president. “Working with Goggles For Docs to provide eyewear for those fighting on the frontlines of this pandemic seemed like a great way for us to contribute and we are humbled to be part of the solution.”
Then today, Ski-Doo parent company BRP announced that it was also contributing goggles to the Goggles for Docs program as well as donating more than 3,000 pieces of other protective gear (including lab coats, protective glasses, masks, etc.) to healthcare workers.
Beyond that, Ski-Doo unveiled the positive “Together, We Ride” video that is shown directly below and features a broad cross-section of many of its ambassadors.
Yamaha and Arctic Cat’s parent company Textron have also made generous donations. Though they haven’t been as tied to the snowmobile market, they are very much part of the greater good.
Yamaha’s factory in Newman, Georgia, where the company builds ATVs and other equipment, made a large donation to a hospital in that state earlier this month, including 380 respirators, 49,000 gloves, 325 Tyvek suits and 18,000 alcohol wipes, according to a story on our sister publication website, Powersports Business.
Textron, meanwhile, announced manufacturing and donation of manufacturing face shields with optically clear PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film, plus thousands of N95 face masks, as well as face shields, gloves, coats and coverall suits, through a partnership with Wichita State University, according to a story on the National Business Aviation Association website.
Polaris acted again on April 21, announcing a partnership with the Minnesota Vikings football team, whereby a $20 donation to the North Memorial Heath Foundation’s COVID-19 relief fund will (1) be doubled by Polaris and (2) result in the doner receiving a special “Unite The North” ballcap.
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