RefrigiWear Donates Cold-Weather Gear to Support Alaska Typhoon Recovery
RefrigiWear, a global provider of insulated industrial apparel and cold-weather personal protective equipment, is aiding relief and rebuilding efforts in Western Alaska after Typhoon Halong caused widespread damage across the region. As winter approaches, the company has contributed more than $18,000 worth of advanced insulated clothing to help safeguard recovery crews and families displaced by the storm.
The donation is being distributed with the support of 6th Avenue Outfitters, a Native Alaskan–owned cooperative based in Anchorage that is coordinating the collection and delivery of essential cold-weather gear. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP), ensuring supplies reach the hardest-hit communities.
In total, 6th Avenue Outfitters has organized approximately $30,000 in outdoor apparel and equipment, including $25,000 in winter jackets and boots, for individuals affected by the typhoon. RefrigiWear’s contribution strengthens this effort, helping workers remain protected as they repair storm-damaged homes and infrastructure throughout the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta and surrounding coastal areas.
Designed for Alaska’s Harsh Climate
RefrigiWear’s donation features Freezer Edge jackets, Freezer Edge® bib overalls, and insulated abrasion-resistant safety gloves. The gear is engineered for extreme cold, with comfort ratings down to -30°F. Each item includes wind-resistant, water-repellent ripstop shells, durable insulation, and high-visibility reflective elements, making them suitable for extended use in wet, icy, and windy conditions.
“After nearly 40 years of serving Alaskan customers, we know this gear is exceptionally well suited to the environment,” says Kate Mauldin, owner of 6th Avenue Outfitters. “It provides exactly the protection people need to keep working and living safely in some of the toughest conditions imaginable.”
Initial shipments are already being distributed to recovery teams in Western Alaska through 6th Avenue Outfitters and AVCP. Additional supplies have been delivered to Calista Corporation to support workers involved in cleanup and reconstruction across the region. Each garment has been individually sized to ensure proper fit, allowing for maximum comfort and protection. AVCP was selected as a key partner due to its extensive network of 56 village councils across the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, enabling fast and efficient distribution to impacted communities.
Further deliveries are planned as displaced families relocate to Bethel, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. In Anchorage alone, hundreds of evacuees have already received more than $5,000 worth of donated gloves, hats, and neck warmers through the 6th Avenue Outfitters relief center.
Leigh Stadelmeier, Vice President of B2B Outdoor Sales at RefrigiWear, says the company is committed to supporting those on the front lines of recovery.
“Disaster recovery work is physically demanding and often carried out in brutal conditions,” says Stadelmeier. “Our goal is to protect the people stepping up to rebuild—whether they’re restoring their own communities or helping others. Working with 6th Avenue Outfitters ensures this gear reaches those who need it most, without delay.”
A Coordinated Effort to Support Recovery
Typhoon Halong triggered extensive flooding along Alaska’s western coast, destroying homes and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate just as winter temperatures began to set in. With recovery expected to take months, access to reliable cold-weather protection is essential for both safety and productivity.
“These conditions are among the most challenging anywhere,” Stadelmeier adds.
“We’re proud to stand behind the people working tirelessly to help their communities recover and move forward.”
The donation is being distributed with the support of 6th Avenue Outfitters, a Native Alaskan–owned cooperative based in Anchorage that is coordinating the collection and delivery of essential cold-weather gear. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP), ensuring supplies reach the hardest-hit communities.
In total, 6th Avenue Outfitters has organized approximately $30,000 in outdoor apparel and equipment, including $25,000 in winter jackets and boots, for individuals affected by the typhoon. RefrigiWear’s contribution strengthens this effort, helping workers remain protected as they repair storm-damaged homes and infrastructure throughout the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta and surrounding coastal areas.
Designed for Alaska’s Harsh Climate
RefrigiWear’s donation features Freezer Edge jackets, Freezer Edge® bib overalls, and insulated abrasion-resistant safety gloves. The gear is engineered for extreme cold, with comfort ratings down to -30°F. Each item includes wind-resistant, water-repellent ripstop shells, durable insulation, and high-visibility reflective elements, making them suitable for extended use in wet, icy, and windy conditions.
“After nearly 40 years of serving Alaskan customers, we know this gear is exceptionally well suited to the environment,” says Kate Mauldin, owner of 6th Avenue Outfitters. “It provides exactly the protection people need to keep working and living safely in some of the toughest conditions imaginable.”
Initial shipments are already being distributed to recovery teams in Western Alaska through 6th Avenue Outfitters and AVCP. Additional supplies have been delivered to Calista Corporation to support workers involved in cleanup and reconstruction across the region. Each garment has been individually sized to ensure proper fit, allowing for maximum comfort and protection. AVCP was selected as a key partner due to its extensive network of 56 village councils across the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, enabling fast and efficient distribution to impacted communities.
Further deliveries are planned as displaced families relocate to Bethel, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. In Anchorage alone, hundreds of evacuees have already received more than $5,000 worth of donated gloves, hats, and neck warmers through the 6th Avenue Outfitters relief center.
Leigh Stadelmeier, Vice President of B2B Outdoor Sales at RefrigiWear, says the company is committed to supporting those on the front lines of recovery.
“Disaster recovery work is physically demanding and often carried out in brutal conditions,” says Stadelmeier. “Our goal is to protect the people stepping up to rebuild—whether they’re restoring their own communities or helping others. Working with 6th Avenue Outfitters ensures this gear reaches those who need it most, without delay.”
A Coordinated Effort to Support Recovery
Typhoon Halong triggered extensive flooding along Alaska’s western coast, destroying homes and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate just as winter temperatures began to set in. With recovery expected to take months, access to reliable cold-weather protection is essential for both safety and productivity.
“These conditions are among the most challenging anywhere,” Stadelmeier adds.
“We’re proud to stand behind the people working tirelessly to help their communities recover and move forward.”
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