Company donating $5 to California-based veterans organization for every person who rafts the South Fork of the American River Sunday-Friday all month long

ANGELS CAMP, Calif. — As a thank you for their service, OARS is proud to offer free rafting for veterans, active-duty military, and emergency first responders on most ½- or 1-day adventures in California and Utah when they raft with one or more full-paying guests Sunday through Friday throughout the month of August. The new initiative aims to honor and celebrate those who have devoted their lives to keeping us safe and is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to ensure all people feel welcome and have the opportunity to experience the awe of rivers.

“We have a long track record of working with and supporting veterans,” says Steve Markle, VP of Sales and Marketing at OARS. “This is a way for us to show our appreciation by providing our service members with the chance to get outside, rejuvenate and enjoy an unforgettable day with family and friends on our country’s public lands, which they’ve helped protect.”

As part of the month-long initiative, OARS has also partnered with the California-based veterans group, Swords to Plowshares, which provides health and wellness, housing, and financial support to over 3,000 homeless, low-income and at-risk veterans in the Bay Area annually. For every person who rafts the South Fork of the American River Sunday through Friday during the month of August, OARS will donate $5 back to Swords to Plowshares to support veterans in need. 

“Every year we’re proud to partner with community organizations that our staff and guests value and that align with our core values as a company,” said Markle. “This year, with the help of our guests, we’re excited to contribute to Swords to Plowshares and their mission to support veterans as they navigate the challenges of post-military life, and to prevent and end veteran homelessness.”  

“For 50 years, Swords to Plowshares has supported Bay Area veterans on their path to self-sufficiency. Our work has always been rooted in community – we cannot do it alone,” says Michael Blecker, Executive Director of Swords to Plowshares. “We are grateful to OARS and to all the rafters this August for joining in our mission.”

For more information about the “raft free with OARS” offer, visit the Ways to Save page. Some restrictions apply. To book a South Fork American River rafting trip and help support Swords to Plowshares, people can call 800-346-6277 to speak with an OARS Adventure Consultant, or book online at www.oars.com.

About OARS

In 1969, OARS became the first exclusively non-motorized rafting outfitter authorized by the National Park Service to run trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Today OARS caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes. Each year the company contributes to regional conservation organizations around the globe via voluntary donations and annual fundraising events, and in partnership with their guests, OARS has contributed more than $6 million in donations and fees toward the preservation of the environment and to various conservation initiatives since the company’s inception. For more information on OARS’ eco-friendly adventures, visit www.oars.com, email the company at [email protected] or call 1-800-346-6277.

About Swords to Plowshares

Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares is a community-rooted nonprofit that provides wraparound support for veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. Each year, Swords to Plowshares supports 3,000 veterans as they navigate the challenges of post-military life so that they can achieve health, housing, wellness, and stability. This nationally recognized veterans service organization also advocates for the rights of veterans through community education and partnerships with local, state, and federal changemakers. Learn more about the work of Swords to Plowshares and discover how you can help by visiting www.swords-to-plowshares.org.