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When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, it was unlike anything the state had previously experienced. The flooding was unprecedented at levels thought to occur only every 500,000 years, and we are yet to discover the full scale of destruction left behind.


Thousands of volunteers have already donated countless hours of their time and supplies to those in need, including a lot of outdoor industry brands, which have come forward with relief efforts. They are helping by sending cash, supplies, and boats and are all doing whatever they can to send aid to Texas residents affected by the floods.
We take a closer look at how some of these companies have stepped up to help.

Confluence Outdoor

 

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Confluence Outdoor, a company best known for its Perception and Dagger Kayaks, contacted Texas authorities to get an idea of what kind of water gear was needed. They proceeded to donate 175 life jackets, 140 paddles, and 80 high-stability kayaks to assist with rescue efforts. The kayaks will be used to help first responders rescue people and animals from flooded homes, as well as transport any needed supplies.

Goal Zero

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NRG/Reliant, which is the parent company of Goal Zero, is based in Houston, so they sent two semi-trucks filled with power stations, solar panels and high-capacity battery packs worth $1 million. They were delivered to hospitals so they can continue to run medical equipment, and will also help stranded Texas residents recharge their phones.

Kammok


Kammok, which is based in Austin, donated 100% of last Wednesday’s proceeds to relief efforts and is also planning on donating proceeds from its Texas flag hammocks.

“Texas family, we are behind you. Find strength in one another, find hope in acts of service, and find refuge in our brave service men and women. Harvey is not yet over, but we are in this together. We are Texan, we are strong.”

  • Kammok 

Grand Trunk

 

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Grand Trunk plans to donate 100% of their Texas flag hammock proceeds to relief efforts until the end of September.

“Don’t Mess With Texas, Harvey didn’t get the memo and now it’s our turn to fight back… At Grand Trunk, Texas has a huge place in our hearts. In fact, Houston is where one of our Co-Founders calls home. So, naturally, we need to support.”

  • Grand Trunk

SwampButt Underwear

 

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100% of SwampButt Underwear’s proceeds from their men’s underwear through September 7th will be donated to the Brazoria County SPCA.

In a press release, company owner Harold Nicoll stated:

“Our county is just south of Houston where tens of thousands of residents have lost their homes, belongings and even their dogs and cats. Many pets were abandoned during the storm. Others are dropped at the shelter because their owners cannot evacuate with them. Our shelter is very stressed and can really use your help. If you can only spare a dollar, we thank you for it. Every little bit helps.”

Yeti

 

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This Texas company donated 100% of direct sales on September 1st from their website and their flagship store in Austin to relief efforts. No cap was put on their donations, meaning that every dollar earned went towards the people that needed it most.

Keen

Keen, based in Portland, Oregon initially pledged to match up to $25,000 to All Hands Volunteers, after teaming up with them and identifying the areas that needed the most help. All Hands Volunteers assists with the long term needs of communities impacted by a disaster. They hit their donation goal in less than 24 hours, so they then doubled their offer to $50,000. Keen also gave away around 10,000 pairs of boots and shoes to Texas Search and Rescue, along with volunteers.

How You Can Help

What the Houston area needs most now is money, in order to fund relief efforts. If you would like to donate, The Outdoor Industry Association suggests giving your donation to United Way of Greater Houston, Direct Relief, American Red Cross and Global Giving.

OIA wrote in a post “As we communicated after the devastating earthquake in Nepal several years ago, while the outdoor industry is often driven to donate our highly functional gear in crises like this, it is clear that cash donations to well-vetted and well-qualified organizations are by far the most effective way to help at the moment. The process of getting water, food, supplies and shelter into the right hands is complex, but with these organizations’ expertise, people affected by Harvey in and around Houston and the Gulf of Mexico. Cash donations are by far the most direct and effective way to help at this moment. We are looking into sources for gear donations and will follow up with the OIA membership with more information.”