View printable version

October 12, 2005

Dear friends, neighbors and colleagues:

We have all seen the much-publicized pictures of loss and devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The pictures of families as devastated as the flood-ridden homes they left behind are etched in our memories. What was not as clearly publicized was the loss suffered by many of the relief workers and first responders who were called on to help with the evacuation efforts during these storms, often leaving behind their homes and families not knowing what they'd find upon return.

During these disasters, Acadian Ambulance played a vital role in coordinating and assisting in medical evacuation efforts in much of the region affected by the two hurricanes. Our Medics were called on to work around the clock to ensure the safety of those individuals in the affected areas who required medical transportation. As you would imagine, many of our employees were members of these communities and were called away from their homes and families to assist others only to find out, once the storm cleared, that they, like many of those they assisted, were left homeless after the storm. This has posed a significant challenge for employees, as many have had to struggle to find a place to live in order to continue to work in this area. For several of our employees, this has meant being separated from their families as they strive to put back together the pieces of their lives in hopes of returning to some semblance of normalcy. Seeing the struggles of these medics whose efforts and sacrifices we've come to appreciate and admire over these past few months, Acadian Ambulance, with the help of Community Foundation of Acadiana, has established the Acadian Ambulance Employee Disaster Relief Fund in hopes of providing grants to employees whose lives are devastated by such disasters. The fund focuses on the emergency housing needs of its employees by providing grants to qualified applicants who have suffered significant loss due to a presidentially declared disaster.

We are calling on our friends, neighbors, colleagues and the nation for support. At no other time, is your help more needed. As our efforts to rebuild continue, it is important that we not forget those unsung heroes who did their job and placed the needs of their neighbors ahead of their own. We ask for your assistance in helping to grow this fund so that we can help these men and women during their time of need. If you would like to join us in this effort, please mail your donations to Community Foundation of Acadiana /Acadian Ambulance Employee Disaster Relief Fund at Po Box 98000 Lafayette LA 70508 -8000.

With continued thanks for your support, I remain,

Sincerely,

David A. Pierce

President / Chief Operating Officer