Following the destructive earthquake in Haiti, many companies serving the fire, EMS and law enforcement communities are playing a crucial part in rescue efforts. Over the next few weeks, FireRescue will highlight those companies that are having a direct impact on relief efforts.

Following is one example of a company striving to make a difference in this devastated nation.

DRIFIRE Partners with K.I.D.S. to Support the effort in Haiti by donating flame-resistant shirts and fabrics to Haitian orphanages and communities

DRIFIRE, a leading developer and manufacturer of comfortable fire-resistant clothes, has joined the Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) organization in providing aid to Haiti following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck on Jan. 12. DRIFIRE responded immediately after receiving a request for aid from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), shipping approximately 1,650 comfortable FR shirts to be distributed to two orphanages.

“We’ve worked with the AAFA and K.I.D.S. in the past, donating more than 500 garments during the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina. We’re happy to join them in supporting orphans in Haiti with our products. Our donations may be a tiny piece of the overall relief effort, but we wanted to be involved and we're excited for our chance to directly impact these orphanages,” says Kim Scarbrough, executive assistant at DRIFIRE, who is leading the company’s efforts in Haiti.

The flame-retardant shirts sent in DRIFIRE’s first shipment feature moisture-wicking and antimicrobial technology that is crucial for staying dry and comfortable in humid, warm climates. The second shipment will include rolls of raw fabric made of soft, comfortable material in response to the strong need for blankets. The fabric also features antimicrobial technology, cutting down on germs and odor. In addition to blankets, the fabric can be used to make clothes, tents and other garments to help keep the children protected and comfortable.

DRIFIRE plans to continue helping the orphanages on a long-term basis as more products become available for shipment in the coming weeks. Additional aid will be spread among the communities in Haiti as needed.

“Everyone at DRIFIRE is eager to contribute to helping the people in Haiti. From warehouse employees working overtime to get products shipped, to the executive team coordinating with AAFA and K.I.D.S. to make this all happen, we’re thankful and proud to be part of such a generous, hard-working company. Working together is crucial in these times of need, and we hope that our efforts will encourage and inspire others in the FR apparel and safety industry to donate high quality, life-saving products to those who need them,” says Scarbrough.
Learn how you can join DRIFIRE in helping Haiti with the AAFA, and K.I.D.S. by visiting their Web sites:

American Apparel & Footwear Association (www.apparelandfootwear.org)
Kids in Distressed Situations (www.kidsdonations.org)

DRIFIRE (www.drifire.com), a premier developer, manufacturer and marketer of comfortable flame-resistant clothes, offers garments providing optimal levels of comfort, moisture management and flame resistance. For all of the latest DRIFIRE news and updates, follow us on twitter (twitter.com/drifire) and check out our facebook page (facebook.com/drifire).