Hurricane Helene was a 100-year storm, striking at the heart of the American Southeast. Because of the hurricane's unusual path, communities that hadn't seen such a storm for a century were cast into the darkness. It's heartbreaking to watch the devastation, loss of property, injuries and deaths since the storm made landfall on Sept. 26. Hundreds of people remain unaccounted for; communities throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina remain isolated, without food, drinking water and power.
Today, we've learned that Bass Pro Shops and its founder Johnny Morris, in addition to what they've already done, is widening support efforts for the victims of Hurricane Helene. What's more, if you shop at Bass Pro, you can help, too! Customers are invited to "round up" their purchases at the counter, with funds to be routed through an organization called Convoy of Hope--a faith-based humanitarian group that has assisted Bass Pro Shops in past hurricane relief efforts. Convoy of Hope has already mobilized over 100 semi-trucks filled with critical supplies!
That's just one way that Bass Pro Shops has stepped up. On October 1st, it donated $100,000 to Samaritan’s Purse and Water Mission, which will provide much needed support to individuals impacted by the destruction Helene created across the Southeastern US.
Bass Pro Shops has also brought in some star power, working alongside good friend and country music superstar Chris Janson. Janson made an appearance on Fox and Friends Friday morning to summon awareness and customer support for the cause.
Additionally, last week, Bass Pro Shops welcomed thousands of customers to the Grand Opening of its new retail destination in Spring, Texas near Houston. The company announced today that in addition to 10% of sales going directly to local conservation organizations in the local region, another 10% of nearly all sales from the event will be directed to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Last but not least, there's the Bass Pro Cares Fund, which is assisting in the recovery for Outfitters affected by Helene. Many Bass Pro Shops Outfitters had significant damage to their homes with hundreds losing power. Since its founding in 2016, the Bass Pro Cares Fund--initiated by Johnny’s daughter, Megan--has provided more than $4 million to help Outfitters of Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, White River Marine Group and Big Cedar Lodge facing unexpected crisis.
Funded by the generosity of Bass Pro Shops Outfitters and further supported with donations made by the Morris family, the Bass Pro Shops Cares Fund has issued grants to help Outfitters and their families after natural disasters, accidents, illnesses and other hardships.
