THOR Industries is leveraging social media and its online presence to encourage contributions to its nonprofit partners this coming Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1. Observed on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that encourages donations to charitable organizations in communities around the world.
THOR’s partnerships focus on conserving public lands for the enjoyment of RVers and outdoor enthusiasts and connecting individuals dealing with severe illnesses to the restorative, healing and therapeutic benefits of nature.
Donations can be made by going to http://www.thorindustries.com/giving-tuesday and can benefit any of THOR’s three nonprofit partners:
National Forest Foundation – A nonprofit dedicated to addressing the challenges facing 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, including wildfires, insects, disease, preservation and maintenance of camp sites and trails, and funding shortfalls. Visited by millions each year, national forests experienced a double-digit increase in use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
First Descents – provides life changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Participants experience free outdoor adventure programs empowering them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, reclaim their lives and connect with others.
Care Camps – sleepaway camps helping children with cancer enjoy care-free time focused on fun, friends and activities rather than their illness. Facilities at Care Camps are fully equipped with necessary medical supplies and volunteer professionals to meet cancer-related needs.
For those living with cancer, connecting to nature and experiencing adventure has been proven to support treatment and influence positive outcomes. One such example is First Descents’ Prescribe Adventure campaign, which engages healthcare professionals to empower young adults to connect with their peers through community and adventure.
The organization’s research shows that its programming improves survivorship and is reaching young adults earlier in their treatment processes through a growing network of more than 800 healthcare professionals at more than 400 medical centers.
“As a First Descents board member and doctor, I’ve witnessed the power of adventure to transform the lives of adolescent and young adult patients. By connecting them with a community of their peers, they’re creating a support system that is difficult to find in a hospital or treatment center,” said Dr. Brandon Hayes-Lattin, First Descents’ vice-chair and medical director of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program. “Now, with the launch of Prescribe Adventure, First Descents is working directly with oncologists, social workers, nurses and doctors to reach their (adolescent and young adult) patients from the very beginning to ultimately address and combat the unique psychosocial challenges of the young adult and adolescent cancer community.”
“Working with NFF, First Descents and Care Camps is an honor for the THOR family of companies. We know from our own experiences that nature is a great connector and healer, regardless of who you are or where you are from. We hope others who are passionate about nature and its healing power will join in our support of these organizations on Giving Tuesday,” said Bob Martin, THOR President and CEO.