Ours is an industry known for generosity toward those in need and Polaris has been making headlines of late with some impressive donations to worthy causes.
Last week Polaris donated a total of 28 Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and safety gear to the Boy Scouts of America’s Northern Star Council’s Tomahawk Scout Reservation, the second largest Boy Scout camp in the nation, and the Northwoods Camp, run by The Salvation Army, the world-wide leader of social, youth and rehabilitative services. The donation, valued at $100,000, is part of Polaris’ long-term partnerships with the two organizations, focused on youth ATV safety practices and outdoor sports.
“Our partnerships with Boy Scouts of America and The Salvation Army offer outstanding opportunities to demonstrate how ATVs can be a positive educational tool for youth,” said Scott Wine, Polaris CEO.
“By introducing young people to the sport in a manner that emphasizes the importance of safety and responsible ATV ownership, Polaris can entice a new generation into the powersports community while providing a great experience for thousands of young people.”
The Boy Scouts of America’s Northern Star Council’s Tomahawk Scout Reservation, located in Birchwood, Wis., is the destination for approximately 6,500 Boy Scouts, Webelos and adult leaders every summer. The new ATV program at the camp encompasses all aspects of safe ATV operation and ATV maintenance. Boy Scouts enrolled in the program also have the opportunity to earn merit badges for their participation.
The Salvation Army’s Northwoods Camp, located on Elbow Lake, in Finlayson, Minn., accommodates more than 3,000 youth campers each summer. The camp offers various activities including swimming, hiking, fishing, camping, arts and crafts, archery, music, boating, ropes course, and the opportunity for spiritual enrichment. The core intention of the ATV program is to teach camp visitors new life skills such as changing oil, repairing flat tires, and other learning experiences that will help youth broaden their skills and build their confidence.
Polaris vehicles available to camp visitors at both camps include the easy-to-use Phoenix 200; the best-selling utility ATV of all time, the Sportsman 500 H.O. (shown); and the award-winning Sportsman 550. The Salvation Army’s Northwoods Camp also will have the most-popular youth ATVs, the Outlaw 50 and Outlaw 90, available to camp visitors. As part of both donations, Polaris will adjust models as needed and replace older units over time to ensure the camp always has safe, age- appropriate vehicles available.
As if this wasn’t enough, as part of its annual summer sales meeting and its presence at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Polaris Industries, Victory Motorcycles and the Company’s dealers donated $154,125 to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
The donation was part of Polaris’ continuing relationship with the WWP, an organization that raises awareness and aids injured servicemen and women. Earlier this year, Polaris also gave away three special, blacked-out RANGER RZR XP 4 900 Side-by-Side vehicles to WWP veterans.
“Our relationship with the Wounded Warrior Project allows Polaris and our dealers to support the men and women who selflessly sacrifice for our nation through their military service,” said Scott Wine, Polaris Industries CEO. “We consider it an honor and a privilege to partner with the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that lends a hand to those who merit it most. We hope this donation helps these brave men and women return to the rich, active lives they truly deserve.”
On the opening night of the Company’s summer sales meetings, Polaris announced it would donate $25 to WWP for each rider that rode an all-terrain vehicle or Side-by-Side at the Polaris demo track, a winding set of man-made dirt trails intended to provide dealers with a chance to experience riding the latest Polaris products. That promise led to $44,500 in donations, powered by more than 1,700 demo rides.
The following week, at the 72nd edition of the legendary motorcycle rally at Sturgis, a year-long effort from Polaris-owned Victory Motorcycles and its dealers culminated when Steve Menneto, Polaris’ vice president of motorcycles, announced that Victory would contribute an additional $100,000 to WWP. The money represented an incredible number of demo rides conducted throughout the year at Victory dealerships as the brand challenged consumers with the phrase “Ride One and You’ll Own One,” then backed it up with the promise of donations to WWP for each ride.
In addition to donations made by Polaris and Victory, the Company offered dealers the opportunity to contribute to WWP as well. More than 100 Polaris dealers combined to generously add $9,625 of their own money, bringing the donation total to $154,125.
About Polaris
With annual 2009 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER(r), snowmobiles and Victory Motorcycles(r) for recreational and utility use. Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry, and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory Motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris(r) apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories, is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage.
