The flow of immigration to Europe is not ready to dry up, and neither is the need for warm clothes. On the one hand it’s difficult for refugees to withstand winter temperatures without adequate equipment, but on the other hand the outdoor industry is loaded with unsold or unsellable products, as well as individuals who have old clothes, out of fashion or a little damaged, which usually end their life cycle in the trash, or forgotten in the closet.

This is where Riders for Refugees comes in. For five years now, it’s been their mission to collect warm clothes from individuals, shops and outdoor brands in order to redistribute them to refugees who need them.

Thanks to the growing mobilization of volunteers, participants, and members of the snowriding community, the group based in Annecy, France has managed to collect 6,300 items (clothing and accessories) during its 2018 campaign, and has distributed approximately 150 square meters of goods since its creation in 2015.

The 2019 collection campaign has been launched since October 1st! Until October 31st, you have two ways to support Riders for Refugees: go to the collection points to donate your used or unused winter clothing—there are 30 collection points in several regions of France, as well as in Hamburg and Berlin. Alternatively, if you don’t have clothes to donate or don’t live near a collection point, you can support the initiative by participating in the online crowdfunding campaign.

Beyond the support of volunteers and donors without which the association could not exist, Riders for Refugees is fortunate to be able to count on the invaluable help of its ambassadors, including its unofficial godmother Marion Haerty, the two-time freeride world champion snowboarder. The team also includes Victor Daviet, Léo Taillefer, Coline Ballet-Baz and Jérôme Tanon.