Fueling Relief with Purpose: A Conversation with
Co-Chair Charlie Cady

When disaster strikes, Fuel Relief Fund (FRF) is there to provide one of the most critical—and often overlooked—resources: fuel. For Co-Chairman Charlie Cady, this mission is both professional and personal. Having spent most of their careers in the fuel industry, Charlie and his wife, Karly, found in FRF a unique opportunity to use their knowledge for something bigger than business.

“Fuel Relief Fund feels like family,” Charlie shares. “t’s an organization that aligns with who we are and what we’ve dedicated our careers to. Being part of this mission is both a privilege and a purpose.”

Since stepping into the role of Co-Chair, Charlie has focused on helping shape the organization’s strategy and future growth. “My goal is to foster collaboration, encourage innovation and ensure our efforts effectively reach and assist those in need. I want to support our leadership and board in setting priorities, and making sure we’re maximizing our impact,” he says. “We want to keep expanding our reach so we can respond to more disasters and help more communities in crisis.”

One of the moments that solidified that commitment for Charlie came early in his tenure as Co-Chair. After a devastating earthquake in Turkey, he received an early morning call from FRF volunteer Sean Wilson, who was already preparing to fly into the disaster zone within the next 24 hours. When Sean arrived, the scale of destruction was staggering—many families living in temporary AFAD tents, using coal stoves to heat their shelters, as temperatures dropped well below freezing. FRF understood the urgent need for fuel to keep these families warm.

“The urgency was overwhelming,” Charlie recalls. “But because of the strength of our donor community and our team on the ground, we were able to respond quickly delivering over 300 tons of coal within days. That moment showed the power of coordinated action and what’s possible when people step up together.”

Of course, working in disaster zones comes with challenges. FRF must constantly assess when and where to deploy, balancing the urgency of aid with the safety of its teams. “We always prioritize our volunteers’ well-being,” Charlie says. “That sometimes means holding back from deployment if the risk is too high. But it also pushes us to build stronger risk assessment tools and deepen our partnerships so we can keep responding safely and effectively.”

For Charlie, what makes FRF special is not just what it delivers, but how it delivers —with speed, compassion, and a focus on real, immediate impact. And he believes there’s room for everyone to be part of that mission.

“Supporting FRF is an opportunity to make a real, tangible difference in the lives of those affected by disasters around the world. Every contribution, whether through donation or volunteering, helps us deliver vital fuel and resources to families in desperate need,” he says.

“It’s a chance to be part of a committed and compassionate community that responds quickly and effectively to emergencies. Your support not only provides immediate relief but also helps build resilience for communities facing future crises. We’re grateful for any support, knowing it will be used wisely to save lives and bring hope to those in need.”

Join Charlie and the FRF team in fueling life-saving relief. Visit fuelrelieffund.org to get involved.