[Pearl River, NY] - [8/4/23] - Marie Originals, maker of the famous Poison Ivy/Oak Soap and the largest Poison Ivy soap manufacturer in North America, is proud to unveil its latest initiative, "Guardian Shield." This pioneering program is designed to address the critical poison ivy/oak treatment shortages firefighters are facing this fire season, and will provide free poison ivy/oak soap treatments to eligible agencies.
“Supporting our service partners is at the core of the Marie Originals mission, and we understand the unique challenges they encounter. As agencies face budget, personnel, and logistic challenges, it is our responsibility to ensure that we give back to the community that has supported our company for so long” said Sammy Goodman, co-founder of Marie Originals.
In the last month, over a dozen agencies have reached out to Marie Originals, requesting donated or damaged stock, motivating the Marie Originals team to investigate the root of the issue. They found that the treatment shortages were leaving many firefighters to fend for themselves, or suffer from the consequences of the rashes.
The "Guardian Shield" program is open to two categories of firefighting agencies:
1. Private Agencies (Volunteer or For-Profit):
- Not receiving Marie Originals poison ivy soap this season.
- Operating hand crews, fuel reduction teams, or logging crews.
- Not affiliated with a government or municipality.
- Actively contracted to, or fighting a wildfire in an area with poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
- Facing funding or logistic constraints that reduce their ability to procure poison ivy/oak treatments, or have lost personnel due to poisonous plants.
2. Government Agencies (District Office or Lower):
Government or municipality agencies can apply as well, granted that:
- The request must be placed from a district office level or lower, such as a park office, ranger's office, district office, etc. Requests can also be made by employees in these offices, on behalf of their branch.
- Eligible agencies include USDA, BLM and NPS district offices, as well as other state and local agencies.
- Operating in an area with poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
- Engaged in wildfire containment, fuel reduction or outdoor work that requires daily interaction with poisonous plants. These can include non-firefighting forestry operations.
Marie Originals will be donating Poison Ivy and Oak soaps, with quantities determined by crew size and severity of need. Shipping and handling are free as well. Stock is limited, and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
To participate in the Guardian Shield program, eligible firefighting agencies can fill out the form at https://marieoriginals.com/pages/guardian-shield.
Questions regarding this program can be directed to [email protected].
About the Marie Originals Poison Ivy Oak Soap:
This soap is scientifically formulated to instantly extract poisonous oils off the skin, and contains a glycerin base that rapidly dries out the rash, while powerful antihistamines instantly relieve pain & itching.
2-Tier Bar: The top side of the bar features a friction-creating scrub that breaks the oils off the skin, while the bottom side contains an antihistamine-infused soothing lather.
Join us in honoring the unwavering dedication of our firefighting heroes with the launch of the "Guardian Shield" program. For further details, visit our website www.marieoriginals.com and help spread the word about this program on social media using our handle @marieoriginals, #guardianshield.
