Long time West Michigan manufacturer Wolverine Worldwide, anchored in Rockford, is using its diverse portfolio of lifestyle brands to rally in the face of the current pandemic by taking quick action in support of healthcare workers, law enforcement, and other first responders across the country.
Blake Krueger, Wolverine Worldwide’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, says, “The safety and well-being of our employees, consumers and communities continues to be our top priority as we navigate the global ramifications of the COVID-19 crisis,” and adds, “That’s why we are happy to contribute our talent and resources in service of front line workers who are risking their own health and safety to help those in need, and to others feeling the heavy impacts of this pandemic.”
As part of its COVID-19 response efforts, Wolverine Worldwide has donated more than 35,000 protective masks to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for use by its healthcare workers on the front lines. In addition, the Company has retrofitted its ReChaco factory in Rockford, to produce additional face masks and other critical protective equipment that is being donated to healthcare workers and first responders. An initial delivery of more than 1,000 masks was delivered to Spectrum Health last week.
Operated by the Company’s Chaco brand, the ReChaco factory is equipped with industrial sewing machines, ample backstock of materials, and a production team with decades of professional sewing expertise. The brand plans to share their patterns, sourcing leads and learnings with other companies and individuals looking to contribute during the pandemic.
Lisa Kondrat, Director of Operations for the ReChaco factory, says, “We at Chaco are doers. It’s not in our team’s DNA to stand by when we have the opportunity and resources to take action,” and adding, “We want our skills and machinery to be useful in this crisis.”
The brand has also converted its ReChaco Mobile Repair Factory bus, currently based in the Pacific Northwest, to produce masks to support local efforts in Portland and Hood River, Oregon.
Merrell, the largest brand in Wolverine Worldwide’s portfolio, recently donated 1,200 pairs of shoes and boots to hospitals in Grand Rapids, including Spectrum Health and Mercy Health, as well as to the Grand Rapids Police and Fire Departments.
That footwear came from Merrell’s work and tactical lines, specifically designed for first responders in those critical roles. Additionally, the brand donated 250 neck gaiters to Mercy Health, which are being used as backup protective equipment for healthcare staff.
Chris Hufnagel, President of Merrell, says, “Merrell could not be prouder to call West Michigan home and we want to support those on the front lines working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of everyone in our community and beyond.” Hufnagel adds, “We hope a new pair of shoes can be a bright spot for these brave people during these unprecedented times. Merrell thanks them for their work and service to our community.”
In response to the rapidly increasing need for emergency financial aid for thousands of footwear industry families affected by the coronavirus pandemic, several of Wolverine Worldwide’s brands have partnered with the Two Ten Footwear Foundation to establish the “COVID-19 Share Your Shoes Campaign.” That initiative was led by Hush Puppies and quickly joined by Sperry, Keds, HYTEST, and Bates Footwear. Collectively, those brands have donated more than 13,000 pairs of shoes, which will be converted into cash and distributed to footwear industry families in need.
Two Ten provides emergency financial assistance and access to counseling services and community resources to footwear employees facing difficult times. Applications for financial help at Two Ten have spiked more than 200-percent in the past two weeks and, based on the current rate, the Foundation is anticipating approximately 10 times the average number of applications will be filed between April-June.
To learn more about the COVID-19 Share Your Shoes Campaign, you can click this link:
https://twoten.org/get-help/covid-19-assistance/
With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world’s leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children’s and uniform footwear and apparel. The company’s portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Merrell, Sperry, Hush Puppies, Saucony, Wolverine, Keds, Stride Rite, Chaco, Bates, and HYTEST. The company also is the global footwear licensee of the popular brands Cat and Harley-Davidson. The company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in approximately 170 countries and territories. For additional information, visit online at: www.wolverineworldwide.com.
