SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken say the initial launch of the team’s branded gear was a boon for local non-profits.
On Tuesday, the team announced the first printing of “Release the Kraken” gear in July generated more than $400,000 in donations for local charities.
This week, they delivered a $285,000 check to YouthCare, which seeks to end youth homelessness, and is the team’s primary non-profit partner. The Kraken also handed over checks of $60,000 each to Community Passageways and the Urban League of Greater Seattle.
The announcement officially ended the “Release the Kraken” campaign, which was launched along with the team brand in July. Seattle Kraken said it would donate all proceeds from net sales of merchandise through Aug. 21 to those three non-profits.
At the time, the team had developed an individual website for the first branded gear as a way to avoid a leak of the team name and to benefit local charities.
“We were mindful that we were launching our brand in the middle of multiple pandemics and wanted to find a way to leverage our launch and engage our fans to provide some relief to those most impacted,” said Mari Horita, Kraken VP of philanthropy. “YouthCare, Community Passageways and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle are working tirelessly to provide critical support to deserving young people, and we at Seattle Kraken are humbled to partner with them. We’re grateful to our owners for generously embracing the idea and to our fans for stepping up to both show their team spirit and support the community.”