Success comes to those who wait, and came in abundance for the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) at last month’s OutDoor. Not only did four new organisations sign up to be involved in the Association’s work, but the target of the show to reach €30,000 in fundraising was met as the final donations were counted after the show.
Insulated steel flask producers Hydro Flask, outerwear supplier PYUA, Gregory Packs, which is part of the Samsonite Group and the OSV (Outdoor Sports Valley), home of the French oudoor sports industry joined or partnered with EOCA either immediately before or during the show. Steffen Riese, CSR Manager of PYUA said, “Sustainability is part of our make up. PYUA’s ethos is to live, experience and protect nature in its purest form, giving it the respect that it is due. Joining EOCA makes total sense as it is a perfect match between enjoying the outdoors yet also taking the responsibility to protect and look after it.” Mike Wallenfels, VP Worldwide Sales for Hydro Flask agreed, “Reusing and recycling is something we promote every day at Hydroflask, which makes sense economically as well as environmentally. Hydro Flask is proud to join EOCA as an organisation that brings so many members of the same industry together to actively put our shared values into practice”.
EOCA members were so generous in donating their time and product at the show that the target of raising €30,000, laid down by Joint General Managers Tanya Bascombe and Catherine Savidge in the lead up to the show, was reached. “Many members donated a huge array of very popular products and the buzz on the EOCA stand started even the night before the show with people asking to see what was on offer!” said Tanya. “And this year there were more members doing their own thing than ever before, to help in the fundraising effort” added Catherine, ”Camelbak sold Chute bottles on their stand; Stanley (a brand of PMI) sold Classic Vacuum Pints and Klean Kanteen sold pint mugs both on their stand and via the Messe for the OutDoor Party. Smartwool’s ever popular Sock Vending Machine was in operation and KEEN’s Hybrid Care Sandal Sale had people queuing all round their stand an hour before the event was due to start!” Not only this, but non member Coleman generously donated 2 BBQs which had been used at the VIP Sundowner event to the fundraiser sale on the last day – which were sold and immediately pressed into service for more parties the following night!
In all €30,085 was raised – just enough to fund an entire extra conservation project – an impressive achievement in just 4 days.
