When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, Affinity Group, Inc. (AGI) and Camping World launched its own efforts to join the largest mobilization of resources for a single natural domestic disaster.
In a company-wide memorandum, Mark Boggess, CEO of Camping World, and Mike Schneider, CEO of AGI, told employees that the company was joining the humanitarian support efforts already underway.
"Many of our employees were asking us how they could help," said Schneider. "To show our support, AGI will double our traditional matching efforts so that each dollar contributed by AGI employees will result in $3 going to appropriate charitable funds to support relief efforts."
Camping World, a nationwide retailer, worked with all of its sister companies in conjunction with AGI to fund the donation of nearly $70,000 worth of sleeping bags, tents, T-shirts, hats and other relevant items. Six hundred tents and 500 sleeping bags are being provided to relief efforts in the Acadiana region of Louisiana. "Local Homeland Security personnel helped us direct those goods where they could do the most good," said Boggess. "We understand that the area has taken in thousands of refugees."
Camping World is also encouraging people to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina by making a donation by cash or check to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. You can donate at any Camping World SuperCenter nationwide. The Red Cross will use those donations to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of Katrina and the thousands of other disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year. Please note that donations of food, clothing or other items are NOT being accepted at this time.
About Camping World
Since 1966, Camping World, www.campingworld.com, has grown from one store at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, KY to 41 locations and 350 service bays nationwide and is still growing. Our single 16-page black and white catalog has expanded to 12 full-color issues each year. Today, 41 locations with more on the way, an award-winning website, more than 25 million catalogs and sale flyers distributed annually make Camping World the world's largest retailer of RV accessories, supplies and services.
About Affinity Group, Inc.
The Affinity Group, Inc. (AGI), www.affinitygroup.com, and its affiliated companies serve the safety, security, comfort and convenience needs of the North American outdoor and recreational vehicle market. With various companies, brands, products and services, AGI targets almost every aspect of this diverse and dynamic niche market.
Affiliated companies include the Good Sam Club, Camping World, Coast to Coast Resorts, Golf Card International, TL Enterprises, Ehlert Publishing, RVtoday, rv.net, and Woodall’s. The corporate headquarters are located in Ventura, California. Subsidiary operations and divisions can be found at multiple locations throughout the United States.
Contact: Ann Thornton, Marketing Manager/Camping World
270.781.2718 ext. 318, athorton@campingworld.com
Kevin Hobbs, Affinity Group, Inc.
805.776.4255, khobbs@affinitygroup.com
Julie Calzone, CEO/Calzone & Associates
337.235.2924 ext. 3, jcalzone@calzone.com
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