Patagonia Donates All $10 Mill Of Their Black Friday Sales To Charity

You know what’s commendable? Companies that stay faithful to their origin. Patagonia is exemplary of this – they’ve never swerved from the environmentalist strife set forth by owner, Yvon Chouinard. The company began with a climbing trip to Patagonia in 1968 and today is committed to creating the most sustainable, environmentally friendly product possible. 

The same company that made the first neoprene-free wetsuit also donates one percent of all their sales to grassroots organisations, totalling $74 mill to date. 

“We have a problem,” said Patagonia. “By getting active in communities, we can raise our voices to defend policies and regulations that will protect wild places and wildlife, reduce carbon emissions, build a modern energy economy based on investment in renewables, and, most crucially, ensure the United States remains fully committed to the vital goals set forth in the Paris Agreement on climate change.”

“Last week, when we announced we’d give 100 percent of our global retail and online Black Friday sales directly to grassroots nonprofits working on the frontlines to protect our air, water and soil for future generations, we heard from many of our customers calling it a “fundraiser for the earth,” states an article on Patagonia’s website.

And the result of this was a record-smashing $10 mill in sales. Five times above their expected $2 mill. Patagonia stated the US’s 2016 election inspired their decision to donate all of their Black Friday sales was a result of the election. According to Fortune, “Donations to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood, and other civil liberties groups have skyrocketed since Nov 9 [the election]. Additionally, billionaire investor George Soros has pledged $10 million to help combat the recent rise in hate-crimes.“  

Whatever the reason, this is a piece of do-goodery that cannot be ignored.