ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BRAIN) — Nutrition marketplace company Fuel Goods and apparel manufacturer Pressio created the 828 Endurance Community relief effort for Western North Carolina outdoor and endurance businesses affected by Tropical Storm Helene.
The Asheville-based brands' goal is to sell 1,000 custom-designed Together We Rise shirts with 100% of proceeds going to businesses in need.
Pressio and Ashlee Designs collaborated on the design. The shirts are available in men's and women's sizes at fuelgoods.com, and supporters can choose from three price options ranging from $28 to $100.
While Fuel Goods' personnel, distribution, and office facilities remain operational, flooding caused massive destruction to its neighboring business, custom bikepacking bag brand Rockgeist Bikepack USA. Another neighbor and adventure trip provider Asheville Adventure Company lost its outpost and climbing gym to flooding.
"Asheville is our home, and the inspiration we feel from the people and the landscape here reinforces our commitment to this community daily," said Fuel Goods CEO Laura Jorgensen. "Hurricane Helene continues to be an ongoing disaster, with relief efforts largely organized by the community. Outside support is crucial, but we all can band together to get through this. We started the 828 Endurance Community to support our friends and neighbors' local businesses through this crisis. The destruction of so many endurance businesses — including Rockgeist's production capabilities, and Asheville Adventure Company's facilities — is heart-wrenching. We hope to offset some of that devastation through the proceeds from shirt sales, so Together We Rise."
To further support the Western North Carolina relief efforts, 10% of all fuelgoods.com sales orders in October will be donated to the Together We Rise campaign.