Stormtech, Burnaby, B.C., announced the launch of its 1:1 Initiative, a philanthropic program that helps introduce at-risk youth to outdoor adventure.
Stormtech wants everyone to experience their love of the outdoors. This is why Stormtech will be donating 1 percent of its total global sales in the form of much needed apparel to partner organizations.
Stormtech founder Blake Annable has been a driving force behind the initiative.
“The 1:1 Initiative is an exciting milestone for Stormtech,” Annable said. “We have supported local partners such as Street2Peak in an informal capacity for quite a few years now. This expansion will help us reach even more youth to experience the joys of the outdoors while accessing quality education. We have an unwavering desire to make a positive impact, support those around us and help our communities thrive.”
To kick start the initiative, Stormtech has partnered with two British Columbia-based organizations—Take a Hike Foundation and The Street2Peak Project—and are currently in the process of identifying further Canada- and U.S.-based foundations.
Take a Hike is a full-time alternate education program that engages vulnerable youth aged 15 to 18 through a combination of academics, therapy, adventure-based learning and community involvement in British Columbia. The program’s goals are to minimize barriers to learning, address personal issues, and help students achieve greater social and academic success.
“Being able to provide clothing and gear to our youth is an integral part of our success,” said program support coordinator Sevan Kadian. “We want to show them care, respect and commitment to their well-being. Partnering with Stormtech allows us to take our students on incredible journeys where we can focus on learning and personal growth, while providing high-quality gear that they feel comfortable in.”
The Street2Peak Project was started in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C., in 2013 with the idea of giving disadvantaged youth an opportunity to explore the world. In 2015, Street2Peak climbed Kilimanjaro and explored the Serengeti. In 2017 the group trekked through the wilds of Patagonia and the Southern Andes. Its next expedition in 2019 will be toward the Southern Cross, exploring the vast topography of New Zealand.
“Stormtech and Street2Peak have formed an amazing partnership,” said Trevor Stokes, a teacher with Street2Peak. “When Street2Peak was getting outfitted for our Kilimanjaro expedition, Stormtech was the first sponsor to step up and offer these kids the technical gear needed for such an adventure. Ever since then, Stormtech has provided any clothing items we’ve needed—from rain pants to waterproof shells, [and] thermal hats to gloves. They treat our students like their most valued customers. For those in the know, if you don’t have the gear, you’re hooped. Stormtech has always had our backs.”
Stormtech is in search of additional organizations to join the 1:1 Initiative. The application criteria includes the following: a registered nonprofit charity, youth-based (21 years and under), outdoor-based adventure and education, located in Canada or the U.S.
To follow the progress or to apply to the 1:1 Initiative, click here. For more information on Stormtech, visit www.stormtech.ca.
