KEEN Announces Support for the Pacific Crest Trail Association

Portland, OR – July 2013 – KEEN Inc., leader in hybrid footwear for outdoor enthusiasts, commits to support the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and its conservation efforts with grants, engagement activities and fundraisers. 

The Pacific Crest Trail stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico, passing through California, Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border and ranges in elevation from sea level to more than 13,000 feet. The route passes through 25 national forests and seven national parks and through the backyard of KEEN’s Oregon headquarters. The trail’s iconic status and proximity to some of KEEN’s largest markets makes it the perfect place for KEEN fans to get outside and escape the daily grind, and to put their footwear to the ultimate test.

Tim McGuire, KEEN’s Business Unit Director for socks and bags heard the call to explore the PCT and took it a step further by committing to lead KEEN to preserve the trail for future users. A Pacific Crest Trail Association board member McGuire started by presenting the PCTA with a $5,000 donation from KEEN. He also promised to hike the Oregon section of the PCT with KEEN employees and Outdoor Industry friends over the summer. Tim and the KEEN team will post photos of their 460 miles of trail on KEEN’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feeds starting July 1.

“The PCTA has a longstanding commitment to preserving and protecting the trail and the trail experience. KEEN is proud to deepen our ties with the PCTA this summer,” says McGuire. “The trail runs through our backyard here in Oregon, I’m excited to get out there with members of our team to explore the beauty of the trail.”

KEEN will also raise funds for the PCTA at Outdoor Retailer through the sale of pint glasses at its happy hours each day from 4pm to 6pm at booth #32183. On Thursday, August 1, KEEN will host Eric Ryback for a meet and greet in the booth. In 1970, Ryback was the first hiker to complete the PCT thru-hike. He did it in 132 days carrying an 80-pound pack, stopping to gather supplies only 5 times, carrying 40 pounds of food with him at the start of each leg. In 1971, he wrote a book, The High Adventure of Eric Ryback: Canada to Mexico on Foot” which created public attention for the 2,650-mile trail. Ryback has also contributed to layout plans for the PCT with the Forest Service.

About KEEN

KEEN Inc., manufacturer of original hybrid footwear, bags, socks was founded in 2003. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, KEEN offers innovative hybrid products that enable outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy an active lifestyle. Known for its innovation and creativity, KEEN started with the invention of the first sandal that protects the toe – the Newport. Since its inception, the company has applied that same problem-solving design approach to expand its footwear collection and offer bags, socks and clothing. KEEN offers products that allow people to go anywhere, from trekking the wilds of the world, exploring a cool city, heading to work, or skipping to a playground down the street. KEEN’s products are sold in specialty footwear, travel and outdoor retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains worldwide. In 2010, 2011, and 2012 KEEN was named one of “America’s Best Places to Work” by Outside magazine. KEEN strives to demonstrate integrity and leadership while promoting a vibrant, inclusive community.

Discover more about KEEN and keep up with us online at www.keenfootwear.com, www.facebook.com/keen and www.twitter.com/keen.

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