Southern California-based footwear brand UGG and parent company Deckers Brands have launched the “Better Together” initiative to donate more than $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts through monetary and product donations.
Building on the company’s existing philanthropic platform, the COVID-19 response is focused on several initiatives and aims to bring much-needed comfort and solace during this unprecedented time.
Given the crisis in New York, the brand’s compassionate consumer base and home to four UGG retail stores, the brand has committed to donating funds to NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public health care system in the nation who cares for all, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
Additionally, UGG has initiated partnerships with select hotels that have opened their rooms to first responders and medical personnel serving on the frontlines.
UGG is also launching an Instagram giveback on April 10. Each week for a month, the brand will give 500 pairs of slippers to these individuals, highlighting their stories and providing a small dose of comfort in these uncertain times.
Deckers Brands has established the Santa Barbara Better Together Fund at the Santa Barbara Foundation and pledged to support where Deckers and UGG have been headquartered for more than 47 years. The fund also calls for other community leaders to contribute to small businesses and deliver vital supplies during this time.
Additionally, Deckers Brands has partnered with Santa Barbara-based Sansum Clinic, one of the oldest nonprofit outpatient clinics and one of the largest health care providers on the south and central coasts of California. Deckers has committed to providing one pair of UGGs and one pair of Hoka One One products to 145 health care workers who are on the frontlines of the Sansum’s COVID-19 response.
Photo courtesy NYC Health + Hospitals
