REI and National Park Foundation

REI and the National Parks

REI, the nation’s largest consumer co-op, recently announced its support of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 through a multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership with the National Park Foundation. The partnership kicked off with the launch of Find Your Park, a public awareness and education campaign that you may have read about in our weekly e-newsletter.

I’ve been a member of REI for decades, enjoy their products and, with the annual membership dividend, their prices.  They also support Global Creations EXPLORE! through the advertising you see on these pages.  That support is based upon what you purchase at REI, so click one of the REI links and see what great stuff you have to have!

Anyway, as “Official Outdoor Retailer” of the National Park Centennial celebration, REI wants to inspire, guide and outfit people with a passion to explore the National Parks more deeply. The national parks are living proof of the American spirit of exploration and discovery, but there can be more to experiencing the parks than simply being there. Thus, the effort to explore the parks more – something that’s right in line with our mission.

“REI began in the national parks. Seventy-six years ago our founders and their friends searched for an ice axe to climb Mount Rainier, and the co-op was born,” said Jerry Stritzke, REI president and CEO. “Spending time in these treasured places often creates a deep and lasting connection with the outdoors. We’re incredibly lucky to have access to them, and part of REI’s job is to invest our resources into the places that inspire our members, and people everywhere, to enjoy their lives outside.”

Through 2017, REI plans to offer expanded gear and programs tailored for national parks through 140 stores and REI.com. REI is also launching five new REI Adventures trips at national parks. In honor of the National Park Service Centennial, REI Adventures will donate 10 percent of the retail price for each of its national park destinations to the National Park Foundation through 2016.

Stritzke continued, “REI is aiming to connect people everywhere, including our community of 5.5 million members, with America’s greatest natural spaces – in particular the hidden gems. We’re channeling a good portion of our support for the centennial into stewarding these places so that their beauty can be enjoyed for generations.”

It’s a laudable partnership that can benefit all of us.

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