In 2004, KEEN was inspired to aid those affected by the Tsunami disaster by redirecting its advertising funds and establishing the KEEN FOUNDATION. Over the past 2 years the Foundation has grown and now supports a variety of environmental and social causes.

In 2007, KEEN extends its Hybrid.Life brand message by launching Hybrid.Give, a new campaign highlighting the KEEN Foundation and its expanded global efforts.

In the US the KEEN Foundation announced their partners for 2007. By supporting these organizations, the KEEN Foundation continues to drive membership, create effective outreach efforts and encourage ongoing conservation efforts.

KEEN Foundation 2007 Partners:

American Whitewater: Support their River Stewardship Program in the Southeast and Pacific Northwest, as well as its new initiative in Colorado.

Big City Mountaineers: Support their at-risk youth backcountry camping program and Summit for Someone 2007.

The Conservation Alliance: Assist in their new member challenge grant, membership meeting expenses, and recruitment and outreach travel.

Friends of Forest Park: Support goes to their trail program and strategic planning initiatives in conjunction with local park officials.

Healing Waters: Support Camp LIQUID, a river kayaking camp experience for HIV+ teenagers.

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: Support will be focused on their State Advocates Program and their local efforts to promote the Leave No Trace ethic.

Medicines Global: Assist in their effort to provide under-privileged and challenged communities around the world with medical and wellness supplies.

Outdoor Industry Foundation: Support their efforts to engage youth and women, and to educate the public about the significant health benefits of outdoor recreation.

Youth Outdoor Legacy Fund: Assist their efforts to allow young people to have fun outdoors, experience recreational activities, and learn about caring for the environment.

KEEN Foundation partners are paving the way for change through community, understanding and education. These partners are tackling problems at the root, because that’s how long term changes are made. Every step they take instills a philosophy of caring, conscience and sustainability. KEEN can’t thank the Foundation partners enough for all their hard work!

To create more awareness on a global level in 2007, the KEEN Foundation is expanding its outreach to communities around the world. KEEN is actively working with their international distributors in Canada, Europe and Asia as they seek out grassroots non-profit organizations in their respective communities.

“KEEN is donating additional funds to aid charitable causes on a global level by working with organizations that are important to our international distributors’ communities. Investing worldwide with environmental, conservation and social programs, which connect people with the outdoors simply makes sense,” comments Chris Enlow, KEEN Foundation Manager. “Sustainability is only achievable when the global community works in partnership. By doing business more responsibly and by taking care of the environment, we will lessen our collective footprint on the planet.”