Great Dane joins Katrina recovery effort

SAVANNAH, Ga. — In response to the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina last week, Great Dane Trailers has provided the use of refrigerated trailers over an extended period of time to the American Red Cross for its emergency response efforts.
Originating in Dallas, Tex., the trailers will be delivered to storm-ravaged areas in the Gulf Coast, including Baton Rouge, La., Lafayette, La., and Mobile, Ala. where the Red Cross has set up local food and supply distribution hubs. “Our neighbors in the Gulf States are experiencing devastation most of us can not fathom,” said Phill Pines, chief operating officer at Great Dane Trailers. “The Great Dane family is eager to dedicate the resources we can to help bring relief to those who desperately need it.”

In addition to the reefer trailers valued at approximately $250,000, Great Dane has also initiated a corporate giving program for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Employees at nine production facilities and 25 branch locations nationwide will participate in the fundraising efforts for the American Red Cross to benefit storm survivors.

“The recovery effort in Louisiana and the surrounding areas is an enormous undertaking,” noted Chris Adkins, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Great Dane. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with the individuals working to provide aid following this catastrophe.”

Great Dane’s full-service branch in Mobile, Ala. sustained some damage as a result of Katrina but is currently operational. The dry freight van production facility located in Greenville, Miss. experienced no structural damage and is also fully functional, the company says.