The Mayday campaign raises vital funds for the RNLI ahead of the busy summer season, which sees a higher number of people in the water and an increased risk of danger. All donations go towards RNLI lifesavers, ensuring they have the essential resources to keep the public safe, including volunteer training, state-of-the-art equipment and critical safety education.
Since 2018, Helly Hansen has been equipping the RNLI lifeboat crews with professional-grade gear to keep them protected from the elements, in all weather conditions. The partnership has provided essential equipment and enhanced the RNLI’s safety messages to help reduce drowning rates in the UK.
Emma Russell, Marketing Manager for Helly Hansen in the UK and Ireland, comments, “We recognise the significance of supporting the RNLI, especially in the build-up to their busiest time of year and take great pride in being their partner. With every purchase from our UK online store, the general public is helping to contribute towards the safety of those on and near the water, at no greater expense to themselves.”
Steve Hulbert, RNLI Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager adds, “Having recently marked our 200th anniversary and entering our busiest time of year, we’re grateful for the continued support of Helly Hansen as they help raise funds to support our lifesavers who are ready to drop everything when the call for help comes in.
“New figures show that demand for our services continues to rise, and all funds raised as part of our Mayday campaign will enable us to save even more lives this year.”
The donations for May include proceeds from sales of Helly Hansen’s newest kit for Summer 2024.
Making a splash in the collection is the Foil X Jacket (£500), a highly technical, breathable, flexible jacket built to withstand inshore race conditions.
As a result of testing and direct feedback during training with the American Magic sailors, the Foil X Jacket is designed to endure high speeds on the water and the challenges professionals face. Every detail and feature optimises aerodynamic performance and allows quick manoeuvrability and full protection. The HELLY TECH® Professional three-layer fabrics offer the highest level of waterproof/breathability and next-level flexibility through four-way stretch performance, enabling a complete range of motion. Inspired by the “X” patterns that carbon reinforcement yarns create on American Magic’s boat sails, the Foil X Jacket for men and women mimics the “X” with subtle aesthetic details in the weave of the stretchy fabrics.
This year marks the RNLI’s 200th anniversary – to celebrate Helly Hansen has launched an Icon collection which will consist of several limited-edition pieces. To shop the full RNLI Icon collection, head to your nearest Helly Hansen store.
Helly Hansen and the RNLI have been strategic partners since 2018, and are committed to working together to educate and influence those at risk of drowning. To learn more about the Mayday appeal, or to sign up to take part in a fundraising Mayday Mile, visit www.rnli.org/SupportMayday.
The Helly Hansen collection is available to purchase online via www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/.