BETHESDA, MD — The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is offering an opportunity for members to aid in the relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the U.S. Gulf Coast last weekend. AAIA’s initiative will benefit both aftermarket professionals affected by the storm, as well as the general populations of the area. The association will match monetary donations to both the Aftermarket Foundation and the Salvation Army, up to $10,000 per entity.

The Aftermarket Foundation is in its 46th year of assisting those individuals and families of the automotive aftermarket less fortunate and in desperate financial need because of unexpected death, catastrophic illness or financial hardship. Monies collected for the Aftermarket Foundation will be designated for the employees of aftermarket companies and their families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The Salvation Army has functioned successfully for more than a century, and its outreach has been expanded to include more than 100 countries, speaking more than 160 languages. Monies collected for the Salvation Army will be donated to their general Hurricane Katrina relief fund.

AAIA will be collecting donations for both causes during its upcoming Fall Leadership Days, Sept. 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Reston, VA. Donations can also be sent directly to AAIA headquarters, c/o Susan Medick, 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814. Please make checks payable to either the Aftermarket Foundation or the Salvation Army.

With the industry’s generosity and AAIA’s match, the aftermarket can contribute up to $40,000 combined for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Please send all donations by Tuesday, Sept. 20.

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