The impact of this event will never be forgotten — but just as lasting is the memory of how individuals, co-op employees and affiliated organizations came together in the face of hardship to support affected communities and demonstrate the cooperative principles of Concern for Community and Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

One way co-op employees can show support is through the Human Connections Fund. Established in 2005, the fund gives employees of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives and co-op affiliated organizations the opportunity to join together and help sister cooperatives and their communities when disaster strikes.

“Being a part of the Human Connections Fund has always been meaningful, knowing it was helping others,” said Jeff Brittain, general manager of Rutherford EMC. “But when that support reaches people right here at home, it takes on an even deeper significance.”

The fund was activated just days after Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, and co-op employees raised a record-setting amount of $300,000 in contributions from 20 states.

“We are thankful to all of the cooperatives and cooperative employees who gave to this great cause,” said Tom Batchelor, CEO of Haywood EMC.

The money raised directly supported the recovery needs of co-op employees who, despite experiencing their own devastation from Helene, continued to work to serve their co-ops and communities. Additional funds were donated to local nonprofits and community organizations across Western North Carolina on behalf of Blue Ridge Energy, French Broad EMC, Haywood EMC and Rutherford EMC — four electric cooperatives whose communities suffered some of the worst damage from Helene.

“Through these generous donations, we are able to support these organizations that have contributed so much to the recovery efforts that began immediately following the storm,” Batchelor said. “Since day one, these organizations have provided temporary shelter, rebuilt damaged homes, built brand-new homes, served countless meals and reached out again and again to our neighbors in need.”

Although significant progress has been made, continued support is essential to sustaining recovery efforts and addressing ongoing needs.

“We are so proud to be part of a cooperative family that truly cares about our employees and neighbors,” Brittain said. “Living and working in this community, we see firsthand that recovery is still a long way off for many. With so many needs remaining, we want to continue doing all we can to support those in need.”