Johnny Morris, the founder of the retail giant Bass Pro Shops, is donating one million face masks to protect healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines of the Covid-19 crisis.
“We are extremely grateful to our nation’s healthcare workers serving on the front lines of this unprecedented global health crisis,” Morris said. “These heroic men and women continue to dedicate their lives to save the loved ones of others, and we are all honored to support them on behalf of everyone at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, and the communities we serve.”
While this large donation is certainly impressive and appreciated, it is just one of the many efforts by the boating and fishing industries that are making a big difference. Power & Motoryacht applauds all of the companies pitching in to protect healthcare workers and first responders. The work being done shows how much the boating world cares about its communities.
AFTCO
The apparel and fishing tackle company received an avalanche of requests for its fishing/sun protection masks after the CDC began recommending all citizens wear a face covering in public. The company said the requests “opened our eyes to the far-reaching need for masks of any type.” AFTCO dropped the price of its fishing masks and created a Buy 1, Give 1 Mask Program. For each mask purchased, AFTCO will donate one to a community member in need.
Chris-Craft
The boat builder’s upholstery workers have been sewing face masks, which will be donated to local hospitals. Their plan is to produce over 500 masks.
Correct Craft
The boat builder and its subsidiaries are working to fill the gap of personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages. They’ve donated masks and started making face shields. The Nautique team is sewing face masks, and its upholstery department is providing fabric and sewing machines to those wanting to pitch in. They also worked with Coca-Cola Florida to maneuver and laser cut the 1,700-pound rolls of plastic that the beverage company donated.
Simms Fishing Products
Simms pivoted from making fishing waders to producing medical gowns for the Bozeman Health Medical Group using the three-layer waterproof, breathable material it had on hand.
“It’s been absolutely amazing to see so many companies, small business owners and individuals rise to the occasion and pitch in to help our local community here in Bozeman,” said Fred Dennis, Simms Senior Director of Apparel Design and Development. “The gowns we are producing truly fall into our core-competency. We have the material, equipment and an expert team of sewers ready and willing to make the gowns.”
TAG Boats
The Charleston, S.C. builder of custom catamarans teamed up with local health professionals to produce intubation shields, a vital piece of equipment for medical personnel fighting Covid-19. The three-sided acrylic intubation boxes provide protection to doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists as they intubate patients suffering from the disease.TAG Boats built a handful with materials and equipment in his boat-building shop. After putting some in the hands of local medical facilities, the word got out, and requests from others began pouring in.
Whenever we find ourselves in times of need, the boating industry rolls up its sleeves and pitches in. We are definitely in this together, and there is #HopeOnTheHorizon.
