In a blog post, Jerry Stritzke, REI’s CEO, said the company will be giving “at least $250,000” to help with the restoration efforts from the damage caused by the government shutdown and called on others to aid in the restoration efforts.
The $250,000 is in addition to the more than $10 million we have given to the parks the last five years.
Stritzke said REI has been working with our partners at the National Park Foundation, National Park Service and nonprofits across the country “because they know better than anyone what our parks need right now.”
He added, “Their ask is clear: They do not want volunteers to step in unsupervised before the shutdown has ended. Instead, we are being asked to join official restoration efforts across the country once the needs and volunteer opportunities are clearer. Today, you can register your intent to volunteer with national parks’ friends groups. If you can’t be there in person, donate to their efforts.”
The CEO also said REI employees will volunteer in their communities, and the company will be encouraging its members to do the same.
Stritzke concluded, “I will be out there personally when our community here in Washington State begins work on Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks.
“REI will also be giving at least $250,000 to help with the restoration efforts, adding to the more than $10 million we have given to the parks the last five years.
“These places truly belong to all of us. Together, we can make a lasting positive impact on national parks nationwide.”
REI also last week released a report estimating how the government shutdown is affecting federal public lands.
https://www.rei.com/blog/news/how-the-government-shutdown-is-affecting-federal-public-lands?cm_mmc=sm_tw_76514-_-content-_-news_journal-_-gov_shutdown_nps
na blog post, Jerry Stri
