REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) granted more than $3.9 million this year to national and local organizations offering volunteer programs in the outdoors.
The national retailer of outdoor apparel, footwear and gear has completed the majority of decisions regarding its 2012 grants, which it makes to nonprofits in each of the communities served by its more than 120 stores in 30 states. The financial support will help fund an estimated:
- 397,000 volunteers caring for natural places
- 54,250 miles of trail maintained and 99,500 acres of land restored
- 2,824,000 volunteer hours dedicated to working on outdoor spaces
“REI stores uniquely partner with these devoted nonprofits to increase the number of people taking care of some of our nation’s favorite places,” said Kevin Hagen, REI’s corporate social responsibility director. “By working together, we’ll help ensure outdoor spaces are available for us to enjoy now and for future generations to explore.”
Additional partnership activities include donating gear, and co-hosting or promoting events and service projects for REI members and customers. A full list of REI’s grant recipients is available on the REI Blog.
“As the urban sister to the Appalachian Trail, we are developing a route that helps 45 million Americans walk and bike safely in their communities and beyond,” said Dennis Markatos-Soriano, executive director of East Coast Greenway Alliance, a decade-long partner of REI. “With the funding from REI, we have a tremendous opportunity to introduce hundreds of thousands of new people to the Greenway through mobile technologies.”
REI’s annual grants budget represents approximately three percent of the previous year's operating profits. Since 1976, REI has provided more than $40 million to nonprofit organizations. Additional information about REI’s corporate giving philosophy is available at www.rei.com/stewardship.
