Supporting California’s Camp Fire Relief

On the day before Thanksgiving, focusing on work is an uphill battle. Usually, we’re thinking about cranberry sauce and rainy #optoutside hikes, in-laws and couch naps. This year, our attention was further divided as we worried about our friends, family, and partners in California.

But while most of us were wrapping things up at HQ—answering phones, stocking boxes, setting up meetings, designing holiday emails—the KEEN Effect team was at our Portland, Oregon warehouse, doing what they do best: coordinating an on-the-fly act of relief for the victims and survivors of the Camp Fire in Paradise, CA.

Together, twenty of our coworkers organized socks, shirts, beanies, backpacks, and 4,000 pairs of shoes. These were then hand-delivered to Chico, CA by two of our colleagues (and hometown heroes) David Munk and Jakob Smith. Recipients included schools and partners in the outdoor industry who lost everything. We also donated to support Northern California First Responders. Our ultimate goal is to deliver 15,000 pairs of shoes to the area before the end of the holidays.

We had the chance to talk to some of the survivors of the fire, who shared what the experience was like—and how they are coming together as neighbors to help one another. Watch the video:

How to help

There’s still so much to do, which is why we’ve set up a $22,000 matching fund to help our friends at Klean Kanteen (twelve of their employees lost their homes in the fire). 100% of the proceeds will go directly to helping them begin the monumental process of rebuilding their homes and lives. Donate now.