The North Face announced today that it has signed an agreement with GlobalGiving to fund and promote community-based development projects overseas. The North Face sponsors as many as five expeditions a year, sending world class athletes to remote international destinations. Through GlobalGiving, The North Face will be able to identify and fund social and economic development projects in the regions where these expeditions take place.
Founded by former World Bank executives, GlobalGiving is the emerging marketplace for international aid. It directly connects social entrepreneurs in the developing world with individuals and institutions that have an interest in funding social and economic development projects.
“GlobalGiving provides an exciting new opportunity that streamlines international aid,” said Letitia Ferrier, Strategic Marketing Manager at The North Face. “Through this partnership, The North Face funding will go directly to high-impact development projects overseas. This allows us to directly give back to the communities and regions where we send our athletes to explore.”
Through The GlobalGiving Philanthropic Expedition Program, The North Face will make a donation to a local charity in the region of an expedition for every 1,000 feet The North Face athletes climb on a company sponsored expedition. In 2004, the company has planned expeditions to Latok, Pakistan where Willie and Damien Benegas will attempt an alpine-style first assent; La Esfinge, Peru where Scott Corey, age 14, will free climb a 2,100 foot big wall; and the Himalayas where Pete Athans will work with the Himalayan Cataract Project and attempt to climb the highest unclimbed peak in the region at 7,400 meters.
In addition to corporate giving, GlobalGiving and The North Face will highlight these projects on their websites, providing an opportunity for anyone to consider contributing to the program. “If nothing less than just letting the public know about this incredible project, we are truly 'putting our money where our feet are'.” Explains Ferrier. “We look forward to working with GlobalGiving more and expanding the program into potential marketing and retail programs.'”
“The North Face has been a leader in high-performance mountaineering apparel and equipment for decades,” said Dennis Whittle, co-founder and CEO of GlobalGiving. “We are pleased that they continue to explore leading-edge technology – not only in their product lines, but also in their corporate social responsibility.”
