Masks will be donated to medical-care efforts supporting the Ukrainian people in partnership with the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington.
SEATTLE (April 13, 2023) — Outdoor Research, in partnership with the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington and Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s office, will donate 1.2 million U.S. made surgical masks to medical-care efforts supporting the Ukrainian people around the ongoing war. In addition to being used by patients, masks will also go to medical personnel and hospitals providing vital care.
In March of 2020, Outdoor Research converted its onshore manufacturing facility in Seattle to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the medical community and the general public in response to COVID-19. This commitment included adding additional manufacturing capabilities within the Seattle plant as well as installing advanced medical manufacturing lines, allowing OR to quickly pivot towards becoming an FDA-approved Class II medical mask maker. The company also invested in high-speed equipment and employee training that resulted in the ability to make ASTM level 3 Surgical Masks, N95 Respirator Masks and ASTM Level 1 Fabric Face Mask.
“Our state has a long history of embracing refugees,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “It’s our privilege to be working with the Ukrainian Community Center to assist the humanitarian effort in Ukraine. The ingenuity of Outdoor Research, pivoting their manufacturing to assist with medical needs both at home and abroad, is a great example of a successful Washington business also being a tremendous community partner.”
Oleg Pynda, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington, said the group was grateful for the donation. “The Governor’s Office and Outdoor Research have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting communities in need worldwide, and UCCW is honored to work alongside them in this crucial effort,” Pynda said.
David Hein, General Manager at Outdoor Research, said the fact that Outdoor Research pivoted into mask-making to support U.S. citizens during the pandemic now creates the opportunity to provide support in a more global manner.
“The team here at Outdoor Research was grateful for the opportunity to work with the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington to provide these essential pieces of safety equipment for the people on the ground in Ukraine,” Hein said.
About Outdoor Research
Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration, and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners, and employees. For more information, visit www.outdoorresearch.com.