It’s about more than selling skis
We love talking about, and selling, winter gear. But we also try to put our money where our mouths are when it comes to our values.
So, throughout the winter, we hold a few 7% days, when we donate 7% of our sales to a nonprofit. The nonprofits we work with align with the things we care about. Making skiing and the outdoors more accessible and inclusive. Fighting climate change and preserving our natural places. Raising the next generation of outdoor stewards and recreationists. And so on.
March 19: High Fives Foundation
This month, we’re supporting the High Fives Foundation with our 7% day. High Fives is a California-based non-profit that supports folks recovering from life-changing injuries and helps them continue their outdoor pursuits. Not only do they support snow sport athletes, but bikers, surfers, and everything in between. Between funding equipment or training programs, High Fives makes the difference for folks looking for hope and guidance.
From High Fives:
Our mission is to create a universal shift in adventure sports that expands what is possible for those who have faced life-changing injuries.
On April 29, 2006, the High Fives Foundation was forged with one man’s personal tragedy and triumphant comeback. As a promising skier with dreams of conquering the world’s slopes, Roy Tuscany’s aspirations were abruptly shattered when a daring jump went awry, resulting in a devastating spinal cord injury. A burst fracture of his T-12 vertebrae, compromising 45% of his spinal cord, rendered his lower body paralyzed.
Battling against the odds, Roy embarked on a remarkable journey of recovery, fueled by strong personalities, relentless positivity, and an abundance of high fives. March 2008 marked a pivotal moment when Roy, against all expectations, donned his skis and ascended the lift for the first time since his injury. The cheers of encouragement and the camaraderie he experienced during his recovery became the seeds of inspiration for something greater. Fueled by a desire to extend a helping hand to others facing similar obstacles, Roy founded the High Fives Foundation in 2009.
This national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, rooted in Truckee, California, serves athletes with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and others. The High Fives Foundation has become a beacon of hope, offering financial support, emotional encouragement, and a positive outlook to those facing similar challenges.
Roy’s gratitude for the unwavering support he received from local skiers, community members, and friends inspired him to pay it forward. The foundation thrives on the simple yet powerful act of a “High Five,” symbolizing not just a physical gesture but a commitment to support athletes through their recovery journey. It stands not just as a charity organization but as a living narrative of overcoming adversity, transforming setbacks into comebacks, and proving that, with enough determination and community support, any summit can be conquered.
