The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) began its tenth anniversary year in style at ISPO, by raising nearly €7000, hosting an After Work get together, and by being supported by members organising other fun and fundraising activities to mark the occasion.
Since EOCA was founded, €1.8 million has been raised and spent on conservation by the Association. This money, raised from and by member companies all operating in the European outdoor industry, has funded conservation projects in 36 different countries around the world, and made a real difference to many landscapes, habitats and local communities.
Twenty EOCA members kindly donated gear to the EOCA Conservation Fundraiser, held everyday on the EOCA stand. In addition, the Scandinavian Outdoor Group and Goal Zero collected further funds for the Association during happy hours they hosted during the show. The ISPO After Work, hosted by EOCA and KEEN outside in the A1/B1 atrium was very popular. Many people enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, music and free drinks, as well as the table football and conservation photo booth. A small number of limited edition EOCA insulated mugs produced by Stanley – A PMI brand, were very popular and quickly sold. The Dirty Water Challenge organised by new EOCA Member LifeStraw drew a lot of attention to this innovative product. Whilst enjoying the fun, visitors also generously made donations to EOCA at the bars. In total, €6786 were raised during the four days of the show.
In addition, EOCA General Managers were delighted to welcome Hilleberg Tents into membership during the show, and Kutupayisi Teks – a Turkish distributor -soon after. Lisa Nilsson from Hilleberg said “We are excited to work with EOCA and its many members, to put back into the great outdoors which we are so passionate about.”
