Update: Austin-based Yeti says claims made by the National Rifle Association over the weekend are "inaccurate" and that the company is "unwavering in our belief in and commitment to the Constitution of the United States and its Second Amendment."
In an email to its members, the NRA claimed Yeti “suddenly, without prior notice” indicated it no longer wished to do business with the NRA Foundation.
Not so, says Yeti. The maker of coolers and thermal mugs says the NRA has twisted its words.
"A few weeks ago, Yeti notified the NRA Foundation, as well as a number of other organizations, that we were eliminating a group of outdated discounting programs," Yeti said in a written statement Monday afternoon. "When we notified the NRA Foundation and the other organizations about this change, Yeti explained that we were offering them an alternative customization program broadly available to consumers and organizations, including the NRA Foundation. These facts directly contradict the inaccurate statement the (NRA) distributed on April 20.
“Further, the (NRA) stated in that same public communication that ‘[Yeti has] declined to continue helping America’s young people enjoy outdoor recreational activities.’ Nothing is further from the truth. Yeti was founded more than 10 years ago with a passion for the outdoors, and over the course of our history we have actively and enthusiastically supported hunters, anglers and the broader outdoor community. We have been devoted to and will continue to directly support causes tied to our passion for the outdoors, including by working with many organizations that promote conservation and management of wildlife resources and habitat restoration. From our website to our film footage and from our social media posts to our ambassadors, Yeti has always prominently featured hunters pursuing their passions. Moreover, Yeti is unwavering in our belief in and commitment to the Constitution of the United States and its Second Amendment.”
Original post: Add Austin-based Yeti to the list of companies severing ties with the National Rifle Association.
According to published reports, the NRA sent an email to its members over the weekend claiming that the maker of coolers and thermal mugs had "suddenly, without prior notice" indicated it no longer wished to do business with the NRA Foundation.
"That certainly isn't sportsmanlike," the email read, in part. "In fact, Yeti should be ashamed. They have declined to continue helping America's young people enjoy outdoor recreational activities. These activities enable them to appreciate America and enjoy our natural resources with wholesome and healthy outdoor recreational and educational programs."
Yeti has not yet released a statement regarding its decision, but NRA backers have taken to the Yeti Facebook page to voice their displeasure.
“As a lifetime NRA member the Yeti products I have will be trashed and I can assure you I will no longer support via purchasing/owning any Yeti products,” one poster wrote. “You have turned your back a large percentage of those who supported your brand and helped build it.”
In the wake of a Florida high school shooting that left 17 people dead, a number of businesses have ended their relationships with the NRA, including Delta Air Lines and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
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