Kyber Outerwear is committed to the social and economic development of Nepal. We are the largest importer from Nepal to Canada and we expect to become the largest importer from Nepal to USA (woolen goods) within the next few years. Our rank brings with it an obligation of social responsibility to the people of Nepal and especially our workers. In 2008, we began to initiate a medical program for the workers associated with our natural fiber bags and the workers associated with our woolen goods line.

Health care and visiting a doctor in Nepal is viewed as a luxury by the locals. It is very expensive and the care is usually not a high standard.

We are committed to health, education, and well being for our workers and their families. We wish we could give it all but we recognize that we must take things one step at a time. For 2011, ALL our workers will receive comprehensive medical exams including complete blood tests checking for hepatitis, liver function, urine and stool readings. Kyber Outerwear will bear the full cost of the medical exams.
We will also subsidize the health care of our workers' spouse and children through subsidized doctors visits. Both workers and their families will receive highly subsidized medicine should they require it.

Other well known companies claim to dedicate a percentage of their sales to the development of Nepal but when we were at those factories we learned that no one knew about it. We were unable to verify any commitment to their development claims.

Our first strategy is to make sure that our workers and their families are healthy. Through the course of 2009, we will review our medical program to make sure it is effective and the workers feel that it is something that has a real impact on their quality of life and the lives of their families. We may have to make adaptations as the program grows but our commitment to the health of our workers will not diminish.

In the future, we look forward to assisting in the education of the children of our workers. We believe education is the key to development so we hope our commitment to education can be equally as strong as our commitment to health.

We have worked very hard and very close with the workers and families to organize and initiate this program. They are the reason for the program. Our program was born from a belief in equality, sustainability, fairness.

Kyber Outerwear currently uses two factories in Nepal. An additional factory is currently being built to produce our products. Our factories are fairly new, clean and well ventilated with good lighting. This may not sound like it is important but it is a standard that most factories in Nepal do not adhere to. Each year we work with Nepal to raise standards in our quality, communication, and overall standards of practice. We feel that our factories in Nepal are exemplary of what can be accomplished when everyone is willing to work together to achieve industry setting standards.

Please help us to help Nepal through your qualified suggestions on sustainable and professional development. All suggestions will be well received with gratitude.

Todd Lavigne
Director