Santa Ana, CA – After the CDC updated their guidance recommending that all citizens wear a non-medical cloth face covering, AFTCO received an avalanche of requests for our fishing face masks. This opened our eyes to the far-reaching need for masks of any type. We also realized there will be a lot of masks that end up in the trash bin when this is all over.
We are in a unique position to address the urgent need for masks while keeping waste at a minimum. Our reusable fishing face masks perform double duty as CDC recommended cloth face coverings and functional UPF 40+ sun masks. In addition to selling our masks online at reduced prices in order to get them in hands of the public ASAP, we wanted to go one step further. After looking at many successful 1:1 give-back models, we felt compelled to create AFTCO’s own Buy 1, Give 1 Fishing Face Mask Program. Each mask purchased results in a donation to a community member in need.
As we take time to reflect upon what’s ahead, we’re reminded that fishing is America’s true national pastime. We hope that you are taking this opportunity to spend valuable time with your immediate family, on and off the water. Please also remember to practice #ResponsibleRecreation to keep our outdoors open during this pandemic. Due to health concerns, we are not allowing returns or exchanges on face masks. If you are unable to use your mask, please wash it and then donate it to those in need. To learn more about the AFTCO BUY 1 GIVE 1 MASK PROGRAM please visit our website. where we have addressed some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about the program, as well as provided additional information on the CDC guidelines in regards to facial coverings.
AFTCO is not alone in our passion to assist in addressing the needs of our customers and fellow citizens during this time of need. The American Sportfishing Associationin conjunction with their Keep America Fishing campaign has created a dedicated resource page on their website to keep us all updated on their efforts in regard to Covid-19. Featuring an interactive map of the United States, the resource allows easy access to the latest updates and regulations throughout the country as it pertains to Covid-19. Amid growing closures and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) recently sent letters to each of the fifty governors requesting that they keep recreational fishing opportunities and businesses open as much as possible.The letters were delivered to the governors’ offices on Friday, March 27.
We at AFTCO understand that the water is much more than just a place we pursue our shared passion for fishing. For many it is a place to escape and connect with fellow anglers, often times helping us grow and heal as individuals. The greater fishing community has always lent a helping hand to one another, and our current situation is no exception to that rule. Fish For Each Otherhas created a website where the fishing community can come together to help one another in this time of need. If you have any information regarding existing efforts to help the industry, know a business that could use some help, or simply would like to share an informative article, please do so on their website.
