Work boot and apparel brand BRUNT Workwear has announced a commitment to donate $1 million of work boots to trade school students nationwide in 2027, as demand for skilled workers continues to grow. The commitment expands BRUNT’s longstanding pledge to donate 100,000 pairs of boots to trade school students by 2030.
“America needs the next generation of builders, electricians, plumbers, and skilled tradespeople more than ever,” says Eric Girouard, founder and CEO of BRUNT Workwear. “These are the people who will build our homes, maintain our infrastructure, and keep this country running. We want to do our part to make sure they’re equipped to succeed. We’ve already donated approximately 25,000 pairs of boots to students across the country, and this $1 million commitment is another step toward our goal of donating 100,000 pairs by 2030. As BRUNT grows, our commitment to the trades is only going to grow with it.”
Taking a boots-on-the-ground approach to putting the people who wear its products at the center, BRUNT often names products after real tradespeople and incorporates direct customer feedback into product development. The gear brand shares workers’ stories through its Bucket Talk podcast and brings the trade community together through weekly BRUNT Garage events.
Through the existing trade school boot donation program, BRUNT strives to help ease an upfront expense, while welcoming them into a community that understands, supports, and celebrates this workforce.
“BRUNT Workwear’s boot donation program is truly changing the face of vocational education in Massachusetts one pair of boots at a time,” says James Hachey, director of the Center for Career & Technical Education at Somerville High School.
“Particularly for students in high-need communities, having the proper and safe work boots can mean the difference between opportunity and exclusion. Students not having the same access to required safety gear can create an immediate barrier to hands-on career and technical learning. Donations like BRUNT Workwear’s help remove that barrier, thereby ensuring all students can safely participate, build the necessary skills, and prepare themselves for lasting careers.”
Starting January 1, 2027, trade schools nationwide can find more information and apply for work boot donations at bruntworkwear.com. Selected schools will receive boots throughout 2027.
