Spotlight on Purpose: Supporting Mental Health Through the Outdoors
For Elliot Tame, founder of Hike Ware, giving back isn’t a marketing decision - it’s deeply personal.
Mental health is a cause close to Elliot’s heart. Having known people, including those close to him, who took their own lives at a young age, he believes mental health challenges are only going to rise, and wants to play his part in supporting those who need help.
“I know a few people who have taken their life. I want to do my part in helping those who need support.”
HikeWare is an e-commerce business rooted in the belief that time outdoors - hiking, camping, and reconnecting with nature - can be profoundly beneficial for mental wellbeing. Alongside encouraging people to get outside, Elliot has embedded charitable giving directly into his business model.
Since July 2023, Hike Ware has donated on 22 separate occasions to various charitable causes through Work for Good, and is currently supporting Mind. At a minimum, 1% of every sale is donated to charity, with additional support given through product donations to charity raffles, fundraising events, and individual challenges.
Hike Ware is a solo venture, and entirely self-funded. Recently, Elliot made the decision to leave his full-time role as a mortgage underwriter to spend more time with his son and family, and to take Hike Ware to the next stage.
“My goal is to grow my income through Hike Ware to support my basic lifestyle, and to give the rest back through giveaways, charity events and donations.”
The business has already supported inspiring individual fundraisers. For example, Hike Ware donated products to Henry Moores, who completed an epic walk from Macclesfield to Paris to raise money for charity.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I’ve had a lot of people reach out to thank me for contributions and products donated to various causes.”
For Elliot, giving back is about more than impact metrics - it’s deeply fulfilling.
“One of the most fulfilling things a person can do in life is to help and support others. I love the feeling of making a donation and can’t wait to be able to give more.”
Using Work for Good has allowed Elliot to focus on fundraising and impact, rather than administration.
“It makes donating easy and hassle-free, so you can spend more time raising funds and less time on admin.”
Key message:
Purpose-driven giving doesn’t need to wait until a business is ‘big enough’. With the right framework, even solo founders can embed giving from day one - creating impact that grows alongside the business.
To learn more about Hike Ware please visit their website and follow them on Instagram