First it was 100,000 pairs of free Keen boots and shoes ($10 million in value) for healthcare workers nationwide in the fight against Covid-19. Now the outdoor brand is launching the second phase of its Together We Can initiative by making and donating 100,000 washable Harvest face masks for frontline workers—like Oregon-based Fred Meyer grocery store clerks and their families. The masks are made from up-cycled material in Keen’ factory in Thailand. And to encourage the wearing of masks as everyday attire, the collection will be available in early May for consumers to purchase through KEENFOOTWEAR.com.
“As the world adjusts to life with Covid-19, we know that wearing masks in public will be an important part in keeping this virus in check until a vaccine is developed and widely applied,” states Erik Burbank, chief brand officer. “Until that time, we are supporting the CDC recommendations regarding the use of cloth face coverings, by making comfortable masks that people feel good about wearing them every day in public.”
Per CDC recommendations, people are advised to wear washable, reusable non-medical grade cloth masks when in public to help our community stay safe and healthy. This will require a shift in social norms: Wearing a face covering needs to become socially acceptable and Keen’s new Harvest Masks are designed to make that easy. The Harvest masks are made from up-cycled materials originally sourced for Keen shoes. With a four-way stretch material for all-day comfort, the face coverings are washable and reusable to minimize impact on the planet.
