My name is Jacob Matheny, and for the past 18 years, I’ve proudly served as the Operations Manager at The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company in Saxapahaw, North Carolina.

Recently, Tropical Storm Chantal swept through our little riverside village and left behind the destruction we had always hoped not to have to see again. Chantal flooded our building from floor to ceiling—the heart of HRCK—and most of my personal and professional belongings were completely submerged.

Eighteen years of accumulated tools, gear, and mementos disappeared in a matter of hours. Among the losses:

• Specialized paddling gear and handmade equipment,

• Power tools, a generator, a pressure washer, push mowers and landscape gear

• Furniture, a refrigerator, and clothing

• Valuable and sentimental items—gifts, memorabilia, and custom gear—gone without a trace

And yet, despite the loss, I’ve felt nothing but gratitude for the strength and heart of this community. The outpouring of support and hands-on help from Saxapahaw has been incredible—thank you, truly.

In the rush of cleanup and coordinating HRCK’s recovery, I haven’t had much time to mourn the “stuff.” But rebuilding will take time and resources. I hope that this helps towards that goal.

If it’s within your heart and your means, I humbly ask for your help in replacing some of what was lost—tools and gear I personally invested in to help make HRCK the special place it is. Every little bit helps as we work toward restoring our shop and river access points in Saxapahaw.

Thank you for your kindness and support,

– Jacob Matheny