September 3, 2025 Don’t dump it, donate it! Surplus gear powers inclusion outdoors

The Equipped to #BeActive campaign launches September 10, turning surplus sports gear into access to outdoor activities. With support from major outdoor brands, the initiative reduces waste while empowering more people to get outside across Europe.

Unused gear becomes a tool for inclusion

The It’s Great Out There Coalition will launch the Equipped to #BeActive campaign on September 10, 2025, as part of the European Week of Sport. The initiative invites outdoor brands and associations to donate unused or surplus gear to schools, sport clubs, and NGOs across Europe.

Organizations can apply between September 10–20. Selected participants will receive donated gear and are encouraged to share their activities on social media during the European Week of Sport, which runs from September 23–30.

Reducing waste and expanding access

The campaign aims to extend product lifespans, reduce excess inventory, and support grassroots groups that lack the resources to purchase new equipment. Donated items will be used to build or expand local gear libraries that make outdoor activity more accessible.

Participating brands include Kari Traa, Keen, and Intersport, with total donations exceeding €8,000 in value.

“We went for some of our accessories – hats and socks mostly. These are items that everyone needs, and are not restrictive on sizing, so they can be sent out to all kinds of groups that It’s Great Out There are working with,” explains Georgina Kirby, General Manager at Kari Traa.

“And, of course, they bring a wee burst of colour to any outfit – adding to the joy of being outdoors.”

Credit: Kari Traa

Alternative to storage and bulk sales

Kari Traa typically manages surplus through bundled wholesale deals with retail partners. However, not all stock moves.

“It can end up sitting for a long time in our warehouse taking up space and not being used, so we would much rather get it out there on people’s heads and feet on the trails!”

The brand also sees its participation as a continuation of its founding mission.

“It’s Great Out There are doing fantastic work with diverse projects around Europe and it is an honor to support them and help in a small way to make the outdoors more accessible,” says Kirby.

“Our brand was founded back in 2002 with a goal to inspire women and girls to enjoy the outdoors, so It’s Great Out There’s mission aligns perfectly with ours.”

Kari Traa intends to collect input and experiences from the organizations receiving gear, using this insight to inform future product development and community engagement.

“Sharing stories, ideas and fun content is what we are all about. We will feed this back into our product development to help us to make sure that we are helping to get women out there ready for any adventure,” concludes Kirby.

How NGOs or associations can participate

To take part in the campaign, NGOs and associations can register via the online form starting September 10. Participants are encouraged to post a sport-related photo from their organization on social media, sharing why sport matters to them. To be considered, they must tag @ItsGreatOutThere and use the hashtags #BeActive, #EquippedToBeActive, and #ItsGreatOutThere. Selected associations will receive donated sports equipment to support their grassroots activities.

Lead photo: Alin Gavriliuc / Unsplash