UNIQLO Donates 4,000 HEATTECH Thermal Clothing Items to Communities in Ladakh
Through its global The Heart of LifeWear programme and partnership with the 17000 ft Foundation, the apparel retailer supports students and community members facing harsh winter conditions in Drass.
Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO has partnered with the 17000 ft Foundation to distribute HEATTECH thermal clothing to students and community members in remote areas of Ladakh. The initiative brings the brand’s global The Heart of LifeWear programme to Drass, where winter temperatures can fall well below freezing.
UNIQLO Extends Winter Clothing Support in Drass
As part of the initiative, UNIQLO distributed 4,000 pieces of HEATTECH thermal clothing to students and community members across remote communities in Ladakh. The programme included students at Government High School, Salampora, in Drass, a region known for its severe winter conditions.
Alongside the distribution, UNIQLO representatives explained the technology behind HEATTECH and how the thermal clothing can help people stay warm during the winter months.
Kenji Inoue, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO India, said, “Through The Heart of LifeWear, we are pleased to bring HEATTECH to local students and extend our support to the wider community through the colder months. This initiative reflects UNIQLO’s commitment to creating a positive impact through our business and contributing meaningfully to the communities we serve.”
The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Drass Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS), LAHDC Councillor Abdul Samad and DIET Kargil Principal Khurshida Bano, along with representatives of the 17000 ft Foundation and local education officials.
Drass Selected for Its Extreme Winter Conditions
Nidhi Rastogi, Director, Marketing & CSR, UNIQLO India, said, “We chose Drass for The Heart of LifeWear initiative because of the extreme weather conditions the region faces. Through our partnership with 17000ft, we reached out to the students and community in Drass to provide warmth during the winter months, reflecting the power of clothing to make a difference in people’s everyday lives.”
The initiative focuses on providing thermal clothing to communities experiencing challenging weather conditions, with the distribution intended to support students and other residents during the cold season.
The Heart of LifeWear: Global Clothing Donation Programme
The initiative forms part of UNIQLO’s global The Heart of LifeWear programme, which provides clothing to communities facing difficult circumstances around the world.
In 2025, UNIQLO donated more than one million HEATTECH items across 28 countries and regions. The distribution in Ladakh extends the programme’s activities to remote communities in India.