Polaris donates 509 and KLIM goggles to support Goggles for Docs
Nearly 1,300 Goggles Donated to Help Address Protective Eye Equipment Shortages Across the U.S.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 16, 2020) – Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced it has donated nearly 1,300 pairs of 509 and KLIM goggles to support Goggles For Docs, providing eyewear to healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic. This donation comes at a critical time as healthcare workers and first responders face a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation of nearly 1,300 pairs of goggles equate to a total MSRP of $72,200 and were distributed to hospitals and medical facilities across the nation including AMR Riverside in California, Newark Division of Fire & EMS in Ohio and Emory University Hospital in Georgia, among others.
“During these unprecedented times, we have seen so many examples of healthcare workers and first responders working in the most demanding circumstances despite the lack of PPE for the greater good,” said Tom Delanoy, 509 founder and president. “Working with Goggles For Docs to provide eyewear for those fighting on the frontlines of this pandemic seemed like a great way for us to contribute and we are humbled to be part of the solution.”
Goggles For Docs is a grassroots effort to provide healthcare workers with ski, snowboard, snowmobile and off-road goggles as they treat COVID-19 patients, offering a solution to the shortages of healthcare eye protection. As of April 4, more than 29,000 goggles have been shipped across the country. Dozens of new medical centers are being vetted daily by dedicated Goggles For Docs volunteers as the need for more goggles continues to grow.
“Goggles For Docs was created to help mitigate the lack of eye protection for medical workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jon Schaefer, Goggles For Docs founder. “The need for goggles increases daily and we wouldn’t be able to meet demands without the generosity of brands like Polaris, 509 and KLIM who have stepped up to provide much needed eyewear.” 509 and KLIM are a part of Polaris’ broad portfolio of snowmobile and off-road riding gear, apparel and accessory offerings.
To find more information about Goggles For Docs visit: GogglesforDocs.com. Also, join the conversation and follow the progress of the movement on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Polaris is committed to supporting its customers, dealers, employees and local communities, learn more about additional actions taken to support the Polaris family.
About Goggles for Docs
Goggles For Docs came to life on March 28, 2020 via an email to Jon Schaefer, the General Manager of Berkshire East ski resort in Massachusetts. A New York City doctor was looking for used goggles to give to his team for eye protection. A quick spreadsheet documenting who needed what and where was created and a snowball effect was created. A group of seasoned and passionate volunteers – all of whom are goggle-wearing sports enthusiasts – run the program which is entirely crowdfunded.
