The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) is poised once again to raise funds for vital conservation projects at ISPO at the end of this month. With a stand in the West Entrance, a presence in the new CSR hub in A4, a target of planting 2 million trees by the summer and a conservation fundraiser on its stand, the scene is set for an exciting show.
The ever popular Conservation Fundraiser will be held on the EOCA stand in the West Entrance. Visitors will be able to make a donation for conservation in return for some great gear generously donated by 28 EOCA member companies. This year, the fundraiser includes jackets, packs, sleeping bags, climbing gear and hammocks. All money raised will be spent on conservation.
EOCA is now getting very close to its target of planting 2 million trees. The ambitious target, launched in 2016, was established to celebrate
EOCA having spent €2 million on conservation. Planting these trees will benefit wildlife, communities, outdoor enthusiasts as well as play a small part in tackling climate change.
To help the Association with the final push for this target, four member companies are holding events on their stands to raise money specifically for a project planting trees in Nepal. Bergans, Klean Kanteen, CamelBak and Kutupayisi (brand Puhu) will all be aiming to raise as much money as possible, with every €10 collected funding the planting of 25 trees. In addition, the hugely popular KEEN footwear sale is back – A2/402 at 16.30hrs on Monday 29th. Get there early to avoid disappointment!
Perry Laukens, Marketing Director at KEEN Europe said “Last year we had people queuing around the booth to purchase one or more pairs of our footwear and support conservation. We put all the money into a project selected in conjunction with EOCA in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. This area is still suffering the devastating effects of the Tsunami in 2004. The money has now been spent on replanting 45,000 mangrove trees, to recreate an ecosystem which will also provide food for the local communities, as well as protection from storms and tides. We look forward to putting the money raised at ISPO 2018 into a vitally important coastal community resilience project, with EOCA’s assistance.”
Good business practice means taking your responsibilities seriously. This year, there will clearly be a number of opportunities for visitors and companies to the show to get involved in conserving the great outdoors, which we are all so passionate about. Exhibiting and visiting companies at the show who are not already members of EOCA are encouraged to visit the organisation’s stand. There, they will be able to find
out more about the Association, how they can get involved to support conservation as an essential part of their CSR programme and even sign up! Membership fees are based on company turnover and 100% of that fee is spent on conservation projects around world with a link to outdoor enthusiasts. With nearly 140 members already, the more members the Association has, the bigger the difference that the industry as a
whole, can make.
INFO: EOCA
