Velocio has always been a company which looks to go further than simply selling cycling apparel. Everything starts with the brand mission: “there is a better way” which outlines Velocio’s aims to be aware of its environmental impact, its ‘design-first’ approach to clothing manufacturing and its focus on building a better culture and community in the sport. Embodying all of these principles, each year, Velocio releases a UNITY jersey, whereby all profits from the sale of the jersey go directly to charitable causes in need of funding.
In 2021, profits from sales of the UNITY jersey went to three climate focused non profit partners to try and aid the current environmental crisis. In 2020, the brand donated to Save the Children/No Kid Hungry, Project C.U.R.E. and The Coronavirus Relief Fund. These are just a few examples of charities that Velocio has helped since the introduction of its UNITY initiative in 2017, when it was launched with the aim of “making a difference at least in some small way.”
2022 sees Velocio launch another important campaign with its UNITY jersey, as the brand’s cause of choice is aid for refugees affected by the war in Ukraine. “There’s no escaping the effects of the war in Ukraine in 2022 and we have friends and colleagues who have been directly impacted. Their pain is real and their hardship makes a better way very clear: to that end, we’re focusing this year’s fundraising efforts directly into the hands that help,” explained Velocio co-founder and Director of Marketing, Andrew Gardner, in a press release.
The brand explains that reports from early June of this year highlight that nearly five million Ukrainians have fled their country with many leaving family behind. With the loss of unity that armed conflict creates, Velocio sees Ukrainian refugee efforts and humanitarian aid as a well-fitting recipient of the profits made from the sales of this year’s UNITY jersey. The brand notes that the effort is focussed on reunion and support for families facing the conflict, rather than on making any sort of political statement.
With Velocio’s recent acquisition by SRAM, both companies have worked together to pick these charities which have a history of doing work effectively with financial responsibility. Velocio will donate 100% of the profits from the jerseys to the chosen causes and the jerseys are a limited edition run which will not be available to buy once this year’s UNITY project is finished. The UNITY jerseys are pre-order only currently and are expected to ship in late September when Velocio will release a statement outlining the fundraising total from the sales.
The jersey features an abstract design which incorporates the colours of the Ukrainian flag on the body and the Ukrainian coat of arms – trident, or tryzub – on the sleeve. The word єдність is printed on the middle rear pocket of the jersey, translating to unity in english.
The cause alone is likely enough reason to purchase Velocio’s UNITY jersey for many of us, but Velocio have also ensured that the garment is of the brand’s highest quality when it comes to performance. It features a high gauge Italian knit fabric which has excellent wicking properties, as well as reflective logos and trim details. A zippered pocket for valuables and anti-sag pocket designs make it a great jersey choice for long days on the saddle, and UPF30 sun protection means it's ideal for riding in the warmer months.
The UNITY jersey retails at £146 and its creation highlights Velocio’s continued commitments to pushing for positive change that goes far beyond cycling and apparel. It’s available to pre order until July 20th via this link.
