January 11, 2012 – Participants in Concept2’s 12th Annual Holiday Challenge not only rowed or skied millions of meters between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, they also helped raise over $31,000 for disaster relief organizations, including one that supports the company’s home state of Vermont in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

Every year, Concept2, the leading manufacturer of rowing machines, hosts a Holiday Challenge, asking its customers worldwide to row or ski either 100K or 200K between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over 5900 individuals rowed or skied their way to fitness during the challenge while supporting organizations whose mission it is to offer disaster relief to affected people around the world. Nearly 1.3 billion meters were completed.

For every person who completed 100K during the challenge, Concept2 donated $.02 for every kilometer (1000 meters) to one of the following organizations: Vermont Disaster Relief Fund (vt211.org), American Red Cross Disaster Relief-International (redcross.org), Unicef—Emergency Relief Programs (unicef.org). For each kilometer beyond 100k, Concept2 donated an additional $.04.

Participants entered their meters into Concept2’s Online Logbook—a tool that allows participants to track their meters and see the donations accumulate. Throughout the year, rowers can use the Concept2 Online Logbook to monitor their progress, rank their best workouts, and interact in a virtual community.

“Working out for disaster relief was a rewarding way to end 2011, a year scarred with tsunamis, earthquakes, tornados, and flooding” explained Concept2’s Meredith Haff. The Vermont Disaster Relief Fund was the most popular choice amongst athletes. “We are touched that our customers worked so hard to help our neighbors in need. This is a reflection of our customers’ commitment and support.”

Concept2 extends its thanks to all of this year’s Holiday Challenge participants for helping to make this group effort such a success.