Pyranha Mouldings Ltd., who manufacture canoes and kayaks in both Cheshire and Derbyshire, England, are a small company with two world-renowned brands; Pyranha and P&H. Motivated by their relationships with specialist canoe and kayak retailers in Ukraine, Pyranha recently launched a fundraiser to support relief efforts in the country, receiving a humbling response.
In just two days, Pyranha successfully raised more than £60,000 through producing a limited number of their market-leading kayak models, the P&H Virgo and Pyranha Scorch, in a custom blue/yellow colorway to match the Ukrainian flag in solidarity with the nation, which has been unjustly invaded by Russian forces. One-hundred percent of the revenue from this special production run will be donated to The Disasters Emergency Committee, which brings together 15 leading UK aid charities, raising funds to quickly and effectively respond to overseas disasters, such as that in Ukraine.
Managing Director, Graham Mackereth says of the situation, “We are lucky to live in a stable and peaceful democracy, whilst millions live with the harsh reality of the many dreadful wars around the world. This war in Europe, in an area where some of our staff come from, where our customers are being bombed, brings that reality far too close to home.”
This effort has been made possible by a number of Pyranha’s staff donating their time, as well as coordination with their suppliers and fellow North West based companies, Stirling Moulded Composites, Gordon Products, and Resinex, who have donated materials to produce these kayaks. Pyranha’s worldwide network of dealers have also contributed their time and logistical support to make these limited edition Flag of Ukraine kayaks available to consumers as far as New Zealand and North America.
[ Discover the best gear of the year from Pyranha in the online Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
In addition, Pyranha is raising funds through pre-orders of two, limited edition t-shirt designs bearing the slogans ‘Launch Kayaks, Not Missiles’, and ‘Drop Waterfalls, Not Bombs’, as well as raffling off several Flag of Ukraine kayaks.
“We’re on track to raise over £120,000, which is almost double what we were aiming for,” says Mat Wilkinson, marketing manager. It is a true showing of the far-reaching community spirit amongst paddlesports enthusiasts that Pyranha is already over halfway towards this goal.
If you’d like to contribute to the fundraiser, limited edition Flag of Ukraine t-shirts and kayaks are available to purchase at pyranha.com.
