How the outdoor industry is supporting Ukraine and its refugees

Brands and organizations have pledged their support through donations and other measures.

As the Russian invasion continues in Ukraine, outdoor businesses are answering calls for supplies, equipment, and monetary support. Here are a few of the ways our industry is helping.

KEEN donates funds

The footwear brand announced its commitment of $165,000 in cash and products to refugees arriving at border countries. Cash donations will be received by local organizations through GlobalGiving, a nonprofit crowdfunding platform. Local distributors MM Sport and Outdoor Concept will partner with KEEN to distribute donated footwear and other essentials.

“In the face of a humanitarian crisis like the one unfolding in Ukraine, KEEN stands in solidarity with its people,” the company says. “Our thoughts are with the people and families whose lives are affected by the crisis in Ukraine.”

Outside matches donations

Our parent company’s CEO, Robin Thurston, sent an internal email last week inviting all 600+ Outside employees to join him in donating to the United Nations Ukraine fund, which provides humanitarian assistance to the increasing number of refugees and war victims. Outside is matching every donation. “The generosity of our teammates has been incredible,” says Thurston.

Sawyer helps with clean water

The manufacturer of water filtration and insect repellent products has donated 30,000 water filtration systems to multiple organizations currently administering aid to Ukrainian refugees.

You can read more ways in which the outdoor industry is supporting Ukraine and its refugees, written by Bella Wilkes here.