Portland-Based Footwear Company Offers Free Boots to Workers on the Front Lines During COVID-19 Crisis

Portland-Based Footwear Company Offers Free Boots to Workers on the Front Lines During COVID-19 Crisis

Portland, OR. Footwear manufacturer KEEN has pledged to give out 100,000 pairs of its shoes and boots, “to the workers on the front lines and the families at home fighting through the COVID-19 crisis.” Company leaders released a statement which included this message: “While shoes may not be a priority for some at this moment, making shoes that help people get outside and get the job done is what KEEN does best.  KEEN is working with fans to create a movement based on helping others,” the Portland, Ore.-based manufacturer stated.

Here are the company instructions for the giveaway:

The process is to receive free boots is nomination based, so just provide your email to keenfootwear.cominstructions and a verification code will be sent almost immediately. You’ll enter that code along the nominee’s email address and a personal note (optional). KEEN will then reach out to selected nominees to obtain information including mailing address, shoe size and type of shoe or boot desired.

“The Together We Can Help initiative is fundamentally about enabling people to take positive action and build connection in a time of increasing isolation. We believe allowing people to “pay it forward” by providing someone in their community with a free pair of shoes, will help build connection at a time of great need,” said Erik Burbank, KEEN Global GM Outdoor, Lifestyle, Kids.

Keen Covid Giveaway
The KEEN Utility line is highly regarded for boots that balance ergonomics, comfort and safety, and this is a fast and free way to thank any truck or van driver, warehouse worker, or first responders. Common features include waterproof membranes, no-slip soles and lightweight carbon-fiber toes. Several were highlighted at the first-ever Industrial Wearable Fashion Show held by sister brand Industry Week last year. There are dozens of options to choose from, most named after American cities. Here are a few the company said are ideal for drivers:

Flint II Work Boot

Keen Utility Flint Ii

  • KEEN.ReGEN lightweight midsole for superior underfoot cushioning and shock absorption
  • Slip-resistant EH-rated rubber outsole
  • KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane
  • Asymmetrical steel and carbon safety toe
  • Antimicrobial lining
  • Models for men and women
  • Sport model also available

KEEN Utility Portland Medium Duty Work Boot

Keen Utility Portland

  • KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology that flexes and folds with up to three times less torque than other work boots
  • Feels like wearing a sneaker, but as durable as an industrial workboot
  • Asymmetrical carbon-fiber safety toes
  • Antimicrobial lining
  • KEEN.KonnectFit heel-capture system offers a locked-in, securefit and feel.
  • Abrasion-, oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole

 

Local Conservation Coalition “Intertwine Alliance” Celebrates 2nd Anniversary by Adding 100th Partner

Local Conservation Coalition “Intertwine Alliance” Celebrates 2nd Anniversary by Adding 100th Partner

Portland, July 16th, 2013. Formally launched with two dozen partners in 2011, The Intertwine Alliance (The Alliance) a new model of coalition working to advance urban greenspaces in the Portland-Vancouver region just welcomed its 100th partner, the Clean Water Institute (CWI).

The Alliance’s rapid growth validates the young nonprofit’s innovative premise that a public-private coalition, rather than any single agency working independently, will be more effective at engaging metropolitan residents with their local parks, trails and natural areas.

Columbia Springs supporters at Klineline Park.

Columbia Springs supporters releasing the last of the Coho at Klineline Park.

“Our business plan forecast that at this point in our development we would have 57 partners,” said Intertwine Alliance Executive Director Mike Wetter.

“But there’s a change in the winds for conservation across the U.S. In the past, attention focused on ‘wild’ lands investing in nature only where people are not. Today, there is growing recognition that metropolitan regions are ecologically important, and that access to nature is key to the health of a population,” Wetter said.

CWI, The Alliance’s 100th partner, is a perfect example of how Alliance partners work to integrate natural systems with urban life. A nonprofit founded by public wastewater utility Clean Water Services, CWI’s watershed-based strategies satisfy regulatory compliance requirements while maximizing environmental benefits. For example, CWI’s innovative water quality trading program cools Washington County streams warmed by clean effluent by planting native shade trees and shrubs along riparian corridors.

Alliance partners (who include KEEN Footwear, Kaiser Permanente, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Audubon Society of Portland, Trust for Public Land, Friends of Trees, and nearly a dozen city agencies) commit knowledge, energy and resources to projects such as the completion of the region’s trail network, the restoration of publicly held parks and natural areas, and public outreach ca mpaigns to get residents off couches, out of cars, and engaged with “The Intertwine.”

In turn, the growing strength of The Alliance helps to favorably brand a region seeking talent and economic advantage; reduce healthcare, utility and transportation costs; enhance water quality and biodiversity; and support partners in building capacity and achieving their goals.

One of only six metropolitan conservation coalitions in the U.S., the success of The Intertwine Alliance is helping to lead a national movement of like-minded coalitions, with Alliance staff now mentoring other cities, including Denver and Seattle.