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Footwear Brands Salewa and Keen Helping Healthcare Workers

Giving away shoes and converting a factory to help front line workers in the fight against coronavirus

As the coronavirus outbreak has changed how people go about their daily lives around the world, outdoor brands are shifting focus from making profits to donating equipment. As we all know, healthcare workers are putting themselves at risk everyday to help patients with coronavirus.

Keen recently announced a global campaign to donate 100,000 pairs of shoes to anyone who needed them, mostly healthcare workers. By March 23, Keen had given away 75,000 pairs in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

Salewa in Italy, one of the hardest hit countries, has converted its entire factory to producing personal protection equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. It cost around one million dollars to convert. Salewa and other European brands have adapted their factories in the past to produce equipment to help front line workers.

La Sportiva was founded in 1928 by Narciso Delladio in Italy and during World War II, he helped to provide Italy’s soldiers with custom mountaineering boots. The outdoor community is fully capable of stepping up even more to help. The sooner we all get through this, the sooner we can get back to the mountains and road trips.

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To send a pair of shoes to someone in need, click the link in our bio.⁣ ⁣ In 2003, when we started KEEN, we made two promises to ourselves: 1) KEEN will reflect our personal and family values, and 2) We will be more responsible citizens of the planet, embrace other cultures and ideas, and make a positive contribution.⁣ ⁣ Today, the world is facing the COVID-19 virus, a pandemic that has advanced rapidly, shutting down global capitals and causing loss of life on nearly every continent. With large swaths of the population forced into seclusion, the economic and human costs are rising. ⁣ ⁣ We understand shoes may not be a priority for some, but making shoes that help people get outside and get the job done is what we do best — it’s the unique skill we bring to the world. ⁣ ⁣ So in keeping with the original promises we made when we started this company, we have made a pledge to provide up to 100,000 pairs, about $10,000,000 in shoes, to the workers on the front lines and the families at home fighting through the crisis. Whether these shoes help a worker stay comfortable during a long shift or simply allow people to get outside to breathe in the benefits of nature while safely practicing social distancing, we feel compelled to share our strengths for the common good.⁣ ⁣ And, to do that, we’re asking for your help. ⁣ ⁣ Let us know who you feel could use some help during this difficult time, and we’ll provide them with a new pair of shoes at no cost. ⁣ ⁣ During times like these, we all need to share our strengths, and we believe working together we can make a positive impact.⁣ ⁣ Sincerely, ⁣ Our KEEN Family ⁣ ⁣ Click the link in our bio to send a pair of shoes to someone in need, and we’ll take it from there. #TogetherWeCanHelp

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