Sometimes, the best ideas start as conversations among friends.
A few years ago, GORE-TEX® Brand Ambassador and passionate snowboarder Phil Siefken and his friend Markus sat together after a long day on the mountain and asked themselves a simple question: How can we give something back?
That thought became the seed for a movement—one that now brings hundreds of people together every winter in the name of community, sustainability, and compassion.
Collective Impact
Between racks of jackets, pants, snowboards, and well-loved outdoor gear, the room buzzed with the same mix of energy and purpose that has defined this event from the start.
Brands, friends, and strangers came together: trading equipment, sharing stories, and raising money for those who need it most. Every donated jacket, every pair of boots, every product added up to something bigger: collective impact.
This year, the event grew once again.
At the charity event in Munich at LiveEvil/Gasteig, 416 guests attended, three prizes were raffled off, and €216,100 (approximately $248,500) was raised—reaching a total of €223,400 (approximately $257,900) when combined with contributions from the schönerboarden ski and snowboard flea market. Supporting brands included longtime GORE-TEX® Brand partners such as Arc’teryx, Norrøna, Merrell, and Rab.
Giving Back Where It Matters
As in previous years, a major portion of the proceeds goes to Kinderkrebshilfe München, supporting children and families affected by cancer—a relationship that has deepened over time. Together with professional alpinist David Göttler, Phil and the community support initiatives like the annual climbing group for kids at Munich’s Heavens Gate. Göttler also shares stories from his Himalayan expeditions, creating moments of inspiration and courage for the children.
A second part of the donation goes to Prop e.V., supporting the L43 Drug Emergency Service — an essential local refuge whose future is currently at risk, as the Bavarian government plans to cut funding after 28 years. “A lifeline for many—and one that deserves support,” Phil explains.
Remaining products were donated to Nächstenliebe e.V., which supports local Munich initiatives. Keeping the impact local is a core part of the project’s philosophy.
What truly matters isn’t just the amount of money raised, but the spirit behind it: a community that believes in making a difference.
Supported by the GORE-TEX® Brand
Once again, the GORE-TEX® Brand proudly stood behind the event, helping connect outdoor passion with social purpose. Together with brand partners and local creators, the community celebrated not just performance on the slopes, but performance with purpose.
Phil sums it up perfectly:
“We’re so grateful for all the amazing products that were donated, many of them featuring GORE-TEX® Brand technology and from GORE-TEX® Brand partners. It’s incredible to see how much good we can create together when the outdoor community shows up.”
