How the Outdoor Industry Is Supporting Ukraine and its Refugees

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 $55,000 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.

Canada Goose restricts e-commerce

The apparel company has closed all wholesale and e-commerce sales to Russia and donated CA$100,000 to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Backcountry donates gear

The outdoor brand and e-tailer has partnered with local Red Cross organizers to send trucks carrying Backcountry sleeping bags, jackets, shirts, and more to the German border for incoming refugees. The company has also donated $10,000 to the nonprofit CARE, which is helping refugees with emergency assistance.

Helly Hansen suspends operations

The softgoods brand has temporarily suspended operations in Russia, including retail, e-commerce, and product shipment. The company has also committed $200,000 to the Red Cross and pledged another $500,000 to the aid of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Canada.

Honey Stinger helps feed refugees

The sports nutrition brand is working to get its product to the Polish border to help feed incoming refugees.

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.

We will continue to update this story as more outdoor organizations pledge aid. If your company has made a contribution, please contact objedit@outsideinc.com.