Salt Lake City, UT, June 2, 2020 — Cotopaxi, Benefit Corporation and outdoors brand, has stepped up to support COVID-19 relief in not only its home state of Utah but also globally, by pivoting to create and provide essential PPE face masks. On the heels of the Governor of Utah’s recent announcement that Cotopaxi will be providing 500,000 PPE masks to the State of Utah, distributed free to Utah residents, Cotopaxi today launched a face mask program that incorporates a donation of masks to Mercy Corps.
Cotopaxi quickly responded to the state’s wish that masks be provided to all Utahns to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.The company also felt the need to provide masks for its wider community and is launching the Teca Cotton Face Mask. The reversible signature masks are made from 100% repurposed cotton, adhering to the CDC’s guidelines for face coverings, similar to Cotopaxi’s iconic color-blocked packs and jackets.
“Beyond our philanthropy, at Cotopaxi we believe in leveraging every aspect of our company to help drive impact,” said Annie Agle, Director of Impact and Brand at Cotopaxi. “By providing heroic Mercy Corps responders and their clients with protective masks that are also part of our sustainable product ethos, we hope that we’re offering more than just a protective barrier, but also a gesture of love and support.”
The impact-driven production is in partnership with Mercy Corps, and for every reversible Teca Cotton Face Mask purchased, Cotopaxi will provide one basic repurposed mask to communities in need across the Americas. Mercy Corps and its teams are on the ground serving refugee and vulnerable communities without access to personal protective equipment. These essential PPE items are desperately needed and will assist in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition, global aid support and shipping entity Flexport.org has offered services to distribute the donated masks to designated communities, supporting Cotopaxi’s philanthropic efforts.
“Cotopaxi’s donation of masks will help us protect vulnerable communities like coffee farmers, small business owners and young people who are now facing COVID-19 on top of poverty, climate change and other challenges,” said Graham Craft, Mercy Corps’ Interim Regional Director for The Americas. “As COVID-19 continues its reach to the most vulnerable corners of the planet, generous contributions like this demonstrate a powerful recognition that we are all connected and the spread of the virus anywhere endangers us all.”
With a surplus of remnant materials due to COVID’s impact on shipping and production, Cotopaxi is not only creating an essential PPE item but also supporting manufacturing and reduction of waste with these sustainable masks. The Teca Cotton Face Masks are unique in look, with signature DO GOOD and llama motifs on either side, and feature accordion pleating, which allows for adjustability and thus a comfortable fit on most face sizes and accommodation for beards. The remnant materials come in Cotopaxi’s distinguishably bright colorways that project an uplifting sentiment in a time where smiles are hidden but positivity is essential.
More information can be found at cotopaxi.com
