Forest River and Thor Industries have joined forces to create a foundation to benefit their employees facing family emergencies. The two companies are the largest employers in Michiana, together employing more than 15,000. Staff photo by Greg Swiercz
ELKHART — A down-to-earth discussion on a bus a year ago by two leaders in the RV industry has led to the establishment of a joint effort to help employees in need.
Forest River., a Berkshire Hathaway Co., and Thor Industries announced Tuesday they are joining forces to establish a foundation to benefit employees and their families.
The Forest River/Thor Community Foundation will be jointly funded by the two companies and will provide grants of up to $20,000 per qualifying employees or families to help cover unforeseen, emergency financial need due to a family crisis, acute illness, natural disaster, fire or other hardship.
"It just started with something from an event that I was at with a Forest River manager," said Bob Martin, president and CEO of Thor Industries. He and Doug Gaeddert, a Forest River general manager, were riding a bus and talking about life events in general. The discussion continued and the idea was born. "There's always people in need and how can the two of us work together for a common cause."
They considered different things, including helping fight a disease, before settling on something that would help both companies' employees facing an unexpected emergency. "We thought it would be great to really support the employees of both companies," Martin said.
That action, they felt, would really be supporting the community.
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