As Hurricane Helene swept through the eastern United States and destroyed homes and businesses, many families sought shelter. All throughout Western North Carolina, lives were upended due to severe flooding and storm damage. Throughout all of the destruction and devastation that Hurricane Helene brought in the area, many groups stepped up and found ways to offer aid and assistance to those in need, including Venture Unknown, a local recreational group of off-roaders and overlanders who enjoy getting together to ride trails and enjoy the outdoors in North Carolina.
Egan Company Controls Engineer Izat Dagher has been an avid member of Venture Unknown for four years. The off-roading group’s mission is to “share the beauty of the outdoors with like-minded people, while holding the values of diversity, respect, and compassion very close to our heart.” When they recognized an opportunity to help, Izat and his peers sprang into action and went to work coordinating local disaster relief.
With off-road vehicles that can navigate difficult terrain, Izat and Venture Unknown delivered food, water, clothing, and hygiene products to those in hard-to-reach areas of the state, including 60 pallets of Cheez-Its from Kellanova, a local area food manufacturer for whom Egan provides controls support. The group received necessary medical supplies, including insulin and oxygen tanks, via helicopter and delivered them to those who needed it most. Venture Unknown also had a dedicated group of volunteers who brought their chainsaws and heavy equipment to remove obstacles blocking people from leaving their driveways, and cleared roads for ease of providing supplies.
“It was hard sitting idle, working through the week and not being able to drive out there and help,” said Izat. “But as soon as the weekend started, I was on my way to assist. Nothing felt better than handing food, water, and clothing to isolated people and letting them know that they are not forgotten!”
Recognizing that he had the tools and resources to make a difference, Izat found a way to bring much-needed supplies to local communities affected by the recent storms. Cleanup efforts are still underway, with Ventures Unknown hard at work to bring support to those in need.
