Funds enough for a new project, three new members and an ambitious scheme to plant 2 million trees around the world were all part of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA)’s story at last month’s OutDoor trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany!
Travel and Adventure clothing company prAna, Czech distributor WarmPeace and adventure product company Eagles Nest Outfitters Inc (ENO) all joined the organisation at the show or immediately afterwards, showing their commitment to looking after the wild places their customers love to visit. Joe Jansen, International Sales Manager for prAna was thrilled to join EOCA, saying “This is a logical and natural partnership for prAna, tying in closely with our own company ethos and we cannot wait to get more involved”. Pavel Habētín, Manager of WarmPeace was so excited about its new membership that he took managers Tanya and Catherine to meet several colleagues in the hope of encouraging their companies to join up as well! Finally Adam Cohen, International Sales Manager from ENO was keen that the company join EOCA before it officially launches its products in Europe in 2017 – to show its solid commitment to the environment and the European market from Day One. He said,” We are extremely proud of our “Giving Back” programme in the US. Our products have allowed individuals to adventure and sleep lightly all over the world and by supporting their efforts in the conservation of wild spaces, EOCA is the perfect partner to help us continue our mission further afield”.
Members of EOCA generously donated many products for the Annual Conservation Fundraiser to increase funds for new projects. In total €28,500 was raised, a significant amount in just 4 days of the show! Further to the products donated to the fundraiser, many EOCA members helped raise more money via sales and events on their own stands. KEEN Footwear’s Hybrid.Care Event saw eager customers queuing round its stand to pick up one (or several) pairs of sandals and shoes. Stanley – a PMI brand sold its stylish 12oz Mountain Switchback mug and Camelbak offered personalised engraving on its insulated Kickbak mugs which proved extremely popular; with all stocks of the mug selling out each day! The Scandinavian Outdoor Group welcomed donations at the Scandinavian Village bar for its drinks and snacks and Berg Outdoor sold sustainable, shock-absorbent cork phone cases. Not only this, but Klean Kanteen again produced a special edition stainless steel pint mug commemorating EOCA’s 10th year which was sold for the Friday night party, all combining to raise vital funds for conservation.
And finally, In order to acknowledge having raised €2 million in the first decade of its work, 100% of which has gone into its conservation projects worldwide, EOCA also launched ambitious plans to plant 2 million trees to celebrate. Following the announcement at the International Press Conference, an interview on local radio and an official tree planting ceremony in front of the East Entrance, EOCA is now collating applications from around the world to help achieve this exciting target – to leave a legacy from the European outdoor industry to protect and restore wild spaces and inspire outdoor enthusiasts well into the next century!
INFO: EOCA
