Coastal retailers and wholesalers help Hurricane Ian victims |
| By Kristin Ely |
Large number of stores and brands donate time and proceeds to Southwest Florida causes. After the devastation Hurricane Ian left on Southwest Florida when it made landfall on Sept. 28, a large number of companies from the coastal retail and wholesale community have stepped up to help hurricane victims. Apparel company Saltwater Hippie collected monetary and supply donations in partnership with Cajun Navy and the American Red Cross. It also hosted a benefit concert at Saltwater Hippie’s new music hall in Madeira Beach, Florida, in honor of all the donations collected. “While we have been blessed to have survived this catastrophic storm, others have not been so lucky. Let’s do our part, as a Saltwater Hippie Family, to assist our neighbors in need,” an Instagram post stated. Other apparel companies are also doing their part. Salt Life created a T-shirt, The Florida Proud Hurricane Relief Pocket Tee, to help fund relief efforts through the American Red Cross. Eighteen dollars from each shirt sold goes directly to Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Florida. The shirt is available online and will also be available in its Florida retail locations. The brand has also set up a microsite to field donations from customers and is sending product to Salt Life team members on the ground in Florida to distribute thousands of items to those in need. Apparel brand Mang delivered supplies and donations consisting of water, Gatorade, chain saws and generators, pet food and toiletries. In partnership with Captains For Clean Water, West Palm Beach Fishing Club and other organizations, the company reports it was able to make a huge impact in the Fort Myers area. “The devastation was horrific; absolutely tragic, but the community of people that have come together in response to this tragedy shows true resilience and teamwork,” Manggear reported. One-hundred percent of the profits from Puppie Love’s Hurricane Pup Tee will be donated to Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers, which was damaged during the hurricane and required the relocation of the shelter’s animals. A fundraiser with merchandise featuring the words, “Sunshine State Stronger” accompanying a strong flamingo graphic was Sunshine State Goods & Apparel’s creation. One-hundred percent of proceeds from the tees, tanks, hoodies and mugs benefit The American Red Cross for Hurricane Ian relief. Low Tides Ocean is donating 100% of the profits from its Do Good Look Good and Jersey Shore UPF 50 Reprieve shirts to Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation through Dec. 1. All profits from The Beach and Back’s Captiva Collection is being donated to the Florida Disaster Fund, and Pearls and Camo Girl is donating 25% of its profits from its Florida Strong, Fort Myers Strong and Naples Strong sweaters to hurricane relief efforts. And it isn’t just apparel companies stepping up to help. Tervis is donating proceeds from its Together We Shine tumblers and water bottles to Volunteer Florida’s Disaster Fund for Hurricane Ian Relief. Among the many retailers organizing efforts to help was Naples Outfitters. The store put a call out on Instagram to organize meal distribution and several volunteers showed up to pack and deliver meals. |
