Updated Wednesday, September 7, 2005
 

Outdoor Business Fund
Cash Donations
Product Donations
Volunteers
Email Updates

Outdoor Industry Association Disaster Relief Page

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the companies of the outdoor industry have once again stepped up to provide disaster relief in what ever manner possible, from donations to large relief organizations to immediate actions on a grassroots level. This page is designed to keep track of the ongoing industry efforts and act as a resource for any companies or individuals who wish to become involved in the effort.

 
 

Outdoor Business Hurricane Relief Fund

 

Latest Hurricane Katrina News

Outdoor Adventure Expert Brian Brawdy is heading out to New Orleans September 12th to help victims of Katrina on behalf of the Outdoor Industry.
The outdoor industry is uniquely qualified to aid the displaced citizens of hurricane Katrina because they represent a group of highly trained professionals experienced in outdoor survival and companies that produce the latest technologies and gear for doing so.

"This is a great opportunity for our industry, our explorers, adventurers, professionals and enthusiasts to supply targeted and substantive aid to our southern neighbors.
If not us, then who," explained Brawdy. "If we work together, as an industry, a family, we can make a huge impact in the lives of folks who need us now.
If the tables were turned, they would be hiking towards us with packs full of support."

Brawdy will be surveying the damage firsthand and will be working with SNEWS and OIA to get the word out on volunteers and supplies needed, what the Outdoor Industry can do to help and coordinate distribution of donated supplies to needed areas.
Distribution centers are being set up at retail shops in New Orleans and Mississippi (Buffalo Peak and The Backpacker )where supplies can be shipped.
Brian, who is the Outdoor Adventure Reporter for CBS2 in Chicago, possess the contacts with organizations including FEMA, the National Guard and Red Cross to identify areas of need. Brawdy will be communicating daily via satellite phone from devastated areas to SNEWS and OIA and other key contacts for these aid efforts.

Outdoor Industry Association has created a emergency relief fund to help outdoor retailers and outfitters impacted by the disaster. 100% of all donated funds will go to help outdoor businesses get back on their feet or support their employees during these difficult times. Please send monetary donations to:

Outdoor Business Hurricane Relief Fund
C/O Outdoor Industry Association
4909 Pearl east Cir. Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80301

For questions you can contact Cindy Haddox at 303.444.3353 ext 208 or click here to send her an email.

To apply for relief funds, contact Frank Hugelmeyer at Outdoor Industry Association at 303 444.3353 or click here to send him an email. All requests for relief will be held in the strictest confidence.

Outdoor Industry Association will continue to update you as information becomes available. As in past disasters, we would like to track the response from the industry. Please email disaster relief@outdoorindustry.org with details of what your company or employees are doing to help out.

 
Product Donations
 
Outdoor Industry Association is currently working with the following organizations who have current product needs. We will update this list as information becomes available.
  • United Way- Local chapters of the United Way are accepting product donations of food and clothing. To locate your local United Way, click here.
  • Buffalo Peak Outfitters in Jackson, Mississippi, an outdoor company only 150 miles inland from the disaster has stepped up to to act as an immediate clearing house for donations to both victims and relief workers. Their current needs are: water purification, lighting, camp showers, sleeping pads, and clothing. Ship product donations to:

Buffalo Peak Outfitters
4500 I-55 North
115 Highland Village
Jackson, Mississippi, 39211

You can contact Bobby McCain or any of his staff at the store at 601.366.2557

  • The Backpacker, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is taking donations of product for victims of Katrina. Currently their biggest need is for underwear and shoes, but they are also accepting donations of any type of basic need items such as food and water.

Dale Mathews
The Backpacker
7656 Jefferson Hwy.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana  70809
225-925-2667  ( 10am- 4pm CST M-F)
225-924-7274  ( fax )

  • The Katrina Relief Center in Alexandria, Louisiana is also collecting donations for distribution to victims of the storm. They are requesting diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, school supplies, bedding, towels, new unopened packages of underwear and socks, clean clothing - especially things with elastic waists so they will fit more people-  towels, and bedding.
Katrina Relief Center
4600 Jackson St. Ext.
Alexandria, LA 71303
  • The Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) and the National Emergency Resource Registry (NERR) located online at https://www.seern.gov/emergency/ are collecting a list of resources that companies may have available to support on-the-ground recovery efforts. This is a secure, official U.S. Government system to facilitate the marrying of capabilities and supplies with needs.  As of this morning, the highest priority needs are for emergency supplies of non-perishable items that can be made available to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. A list of specific needs will be updated on the HSIN, so check back.
  
 
Cash Donations
 

Many organizations are currently requesting cash donations, and others have created funds to support relief and rebuilding efforts.

Americares 1-800-486-HELP (4357)

American Red Cross 1-800-HELP-NOW

Outdoor Business Hurricane Relief Fund- 303.444.3353

Worldvision

Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund-

 
Volunteers
  

USA Freedom Corps

 
Email Updates
  

OIA will periodically send out updates on relief efforts. Click here if you would like to receive these emails.