UNIQLO Distributes 4,000 Thermal Clothing Items in Ladakh
Ladakh, October 28, 2026: UNIQLO, in partnership with the 17000 ft Foundation, has distributed 4,000 pieces of thermal clothing to students and community members in remote areas of Ladakh, including students at Government High School, Salampora, Drass. The initiative aims to support communities in the high-altitude region as temperatures fall well below freezing during winter.
The distribution was carried out under The Heart of LifeWear, UNIQLO’s global programme that provides clothing support to people facing challenging circumstances. The programme focuses on addressing everyday needs and improving comfort and dignity through functional clothing, particularly for communities living in difficult conditions.
Alongside the distribution, UNIQLO representatives interacted with beneficiaries and explained the functionality of the company’s HEATTECH clothing and how its technology helps retain warmth in cold weather. The initiative was intended to help students and other community members remain comfortable during the winter months.
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.
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.”
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.”
Launched in winter 2024, The Heart of LifeWear is a global initiative through which UNIQLO provides new clothing to people in difficult circumstances, including refugees, children and communities affected by disasters. In 2025, the programme facilitated the donation of more than one million HEATTECH items across 28 countries and regions.
The distribution in Ladakh is part of the programme’s wider effort to address clothing needs among communities experiencing challenging living conditions.
