Courtesy of Costa Del Mar

 

One week ago today, Hurricane Ian made landfall on Sept. 28, causing catastrophic damage to Fort Myers, Naples and surrounding areas in Southwest Florida (photos here). Even though we were preparing and closely monitoring the storm with our local Costa team and cause partners across the Keys and Florida, the aftermath is far worse than we imagined, and these communities are suffering a devastating loss.

 

As #OneCoast, we will rebuild and restore these areas that have been drastically impacted by Hurricane Ian. We’re proud to be a part of an industry, where we’ve seen countless brands,  organizations and individuals step up to provide as much help as possible.

 

If you’d like to join Costa in our efforts, here are five ways you can directly help those in need.

 

1. Contribute to Captains for Clean Water: Hurricane Ian Relief Fund on the front lines.

 

Our friends at Captains for Clean Water have been boots on the ground from the get-go. Despite the loss of the CFCW office and many members’ homes, these captains and guides have been working around the clock – navigating the waters for rescue missions, setting up drop-off locations in Eastern Florida, and getting locals the supplies they need.

 

2. Donate to WARF (Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund) to support local captains, guides, crews + outfitters.

 

Professional, recreational angling is often the cornerstone of coastal economies, and the ability for these small businesses to get back on their feet after natural disasters like Ian, is critical. The IGFA (International Game Fish Association) and Costa Sunglasses created WARF in 2017 to provide financial aid to local charter captains, guides, and outfitters in the wake of major natural disasters. To date, the WARF has distributed a total of $225,000 to recreational angling associations. Learn more here.

 

3. Place a bid or host an auction using #FliesforIan on Instagram. 

 

What started as one Instagram auction by Josh Mills to raise funds for those impacted by Hurricane Ian, #FliesforIan has quickly gained momentum across the industry with auctions for guided trips, fishing gear and more. Already raising close to $50,000 in just five days, all proceeds from #FliesforIan auction will directly benefit IGFA + Costa’s WARF fund. Visit Mills’ Instagram page, @millsfly to get involved.

 

4. Purchase Costa’s #OneCoast apparel, with 100% of proceeds going directly to relief efforts.

 

Established by Costa Sunglasses in 2017, after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria ravaged our coasts, #OneCoast continues to provide relief to those affected by natural disasters through the purchase of OneCoast apparel, direct donations and volunteering. Shop the collection here.

 

5. Spread the word by posting and sharing on your social channels.

 

Join @CostaSunglasses’ #OneCoast mission by posting and sharing your stories to support those in need. Together we can make a difference.