When two of their children were diagnosed with a vision condition known as autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy, a few years ago, Nikki and Taylor Strout, owners of Rugged Seas, turned to the Iris Network for help. ARB is a genetic condition that causes vision loss typically within the first decade of life. Their eight-year-old son Cooper and three-year-old son Landry both have the condition.
“Throughout our journey navigating this new world of low vision and blindness, the Iris Network has become a guiding light for us,” says Nikki. “They have connected us with our boys’ vision teachers, mobility specialists and other families in the blindness community.”
As a way to show their gratitude for the Maine-based non-profit serving the blind and visually impaired, the Strouts decided to use their brand’s following as a way to give back. Rugged Seas specializes in totes, backpacks and clutches from recycled fishing bibs. The brand pays tribute to fisherman and the tough conditions they endure through its products.
“We have been lucky enough to build a strong community around our company Rugged Seas and felt we could utilize this platform to hopefully give back to the Iris Network,” says Nikki.
The couple designed its “Braille Fish” T-shirt with the help of its printing company, 320 Ink in Westbrook, Maine. The shirts feature Braille lettering above the word fish.
The couple promoted the shirts on Instagram and Facebook. The local television news station also did a story on the fundraiser. The fundraiser was held during the first two weeks of October 2021 to coincide with Blindness Awareness Month. The publicity led to approximately 500 shirts sold and $10,000 raised for the Iris Network.
“We felt the fundraiser was very successful,” says Nikki.
