One thousand Canadians who are new to camping will enjoy a dry, warm and comfortable night’s sleep thanks to a partnership between Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) and Parks Canada. Canada’s leading outdoor retailer is providing 300 tents, 1,000 sleeping bags and 1,000 sleeping pads valued at $100,000 to participants of the Learn to Camp events that are taking place at ten national parks and historic sites across the country this weekend.
“Good gear can often make the difference between a great camping experience and one that’s so-so or downright awful,” said MEC CEO David Labistour. “Sleeping outdoors amidst the beauty and splendour of Canada’s national parks can be a rewarding experience, and MEC is honoured to provide novice campers with gear that promises to fulfill that experience.”
The MEC-brand tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads are designed in Canada, field tested in real-world conditions and built to MEC’s rigorous performance and quality specifications.
MEC employees will also be on-hand at most Learn to Camp events to share their expertise, offering newcomers young and old camping workshops about such things as essential gear, food and cooking tips, safety and outdoor etiquette.
The outdoor retailer builds on its employees passion for the outdoors by offering them a comprehensive training program that encompasses outdoor recreation activities as well as clothing and gear suitable for each.
MEC’s partnership with Parks Canada is one of several that the co-op has with organizations across Canada that are variously focused on environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. In 2011, MEC will donate approximately $2.5 million to Canada’s outdoor community through its grants program.
