Cotopaxi facilitates help for Afghans fleeing the Taliban through a nonprofit partnership. And you can get involved — no purchase necessary.
Afghan refugees are entering the United States with limited or no resources. NPR reports that over 20,000 individuals have arrived since the American military started leaving Afghanistan in June. Overall, the crisis has displaced over half a million Afghans; estimates indicate 80% of them are women and children.
Of the 20,000 and counting in the U.S., many or all will need Americans to rally around them for resources and support as they navigate their new lives. Certified B-corp Cotopaxi has partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to directly fund Afghans through a variety of channels. And for those who want to help, some of these channels don’t require purchasing anything.
Cotopaxi’s aid programs will benefit the IRC’s Afghanistan Response Fund, a special initiative set up to help Afghans survive or escape the collapsing state. The IRC helps people affected by humanitarian crises worldwide and currently operates in 40 countries and 20 U.S. cities.
Cotopaxi Afghan Aid Program Details
Other huge brands and big-box stores have stepped up to support incoming refugees as well. But those programs are no help to those who can’t or aren’t willing to support the particular company’s for-profit initiatives.
Instead, Cotopaxi has launched its own fund dedicating 100% of donations to the IRC, amplifying donation and volunteer efforts. Through its programs, people can get involved at any level of investment.
- Donate to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which gives 100% of its funding to the IRC Afghanistan Response Fund.
- Participate in the IRC’s Warm Welcome Winter Clothing Drive. The Salt Lake City-based program collects clean, new, or like-new winter clothing and gives it to newly arrived refugees. Cotopaxi will be taking clothing donations for the IRC at all retail locations. If you live in the SLC area, you can donate clothing directly to the IRC.
- Cotopaxi encourages those interested to volunteer locally with the IRC.
To learn more about the IRC, Cotopaxi’s partnership, and ways you can support Afghan refugees, visit Cotopaxi’s blog.
