Kia Relief Effort: Aid Program for Hurricane Helene Victims
Published: October 6th, 2024.
Kia America has announced a major initiative to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, offering relief to customers and affected communities in the Southeastern U.S. In the wake of the storm, which caused widespread damage, Kia has stepped forward with a two-pronged approach to aid recovery efforts. From financial assistance to a generous donation supporting relief services, Kia’s efforts aim to help those who need it most.
The Category 4 hurricane caused significant destruction across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. One Kia dealership in Florida reported the loss of 672 vehicles due to flooding, with damages totaling between $28 million and $30 million. This stark example highlights the massive scale of the storm’s impact. If a single dealership can face such devastating losses, the broader consequences for residents and businesses across the region are profound.
Because of such widespread damage, Kia’s assistance program is crucial. The storm left countless families without essential transportation, and Kia’s initiative offers timely support to those affected, providing much-needed help in a difficult time.
Kia’s assistance program offers eligible customers $500 toward purchasing or leasing select new Kia vehicles. This offer applies to those in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina whose vehicles were damaged beyond repair. The program runs from October 4, 2024, to January 2, 2025, giving affected customers a financial break as they seek to replace their lost vehicles. Full details are available through local Kia dealers.
SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, said, “We want to support our customers and communities during this challenging time. The $500 assistance program is aimed at helping those who need to replace their vehicles and move forward after this devastating storm.”
In addition to the customer assistance program, Kia America has partnered with Kia Georgia, Inc., to donate $250,000 to the American Red Cross. This donation will help provide vital resources, including food, water, and shelter, to those displaced by Hurricane Helene. The funds will support ongoing disaster relief efforts in the hardest-hit areas, ensuring that communities receive the help they need to rebuild.
Alicia Doherty, Regional Executive of the Red Cross of Georgia, emphasized the importance of Kia’s contribution: “Kia’s generous donation enables the Red Cross to continue providing critical support to those most affected by the hurricane. These funds will directly aid communities in need.”
Kia’s latest efforts are part of its broader “Accelerate the Good” initiative, which has supported various causes since 2019. The program focuses on disaster relief, hunger prevention, medical care, and other charitable endeavors, reflecting Kia’s long-standing commitment to giving back. Its timely response to Hurricane Helene further underscores its dedication to helping those in need during times of crisis.