Gear Up, Give Back Contributes $12k to Outdoors for All, Announces Outdoors for All as Continued Beneficiary for 2021

Despite the challenges 2020 threw in the way, Cairn’s Gear Up, Give Back program generated over $12k for the program's beneficiary organization Outdoors for All, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation. The total contribution of over $12k both includes both proceeds from sales of pre-loved gear donated to the program, as well as matching funds from both Cairn and program partner Gear Fix.  


Young boy being helped on climbing wall

 

Cairn, best known for its outdoor subscription boxes, partnered with the Bend-based repair and consignment shop, Gear Fix, to launch the Gear Up, Give Back program in 2018. The mission of the program is to keep retired gear out of landfills, help others get outdoors, and raise funds for outdoor causes. The program provides a free and easy way for anyone to donate their high-quality, well-loved gear. 

While Cairn and Gear Fix were pleased to be able to contribute funds to Outdoors for All this year, disruptions and restrictions of all kinds meant that the program underperformed expected our contribution goals.  The partners have chosen to extend Outdoors for All as the beneficiary through 2021, in hopes that the program can generate a stronger contribution in what will (fingers-crossed) be a less disrupted year. We've been thrilled to hear that Outdoors for All programming has been able to continue in modified ways, and that the organization is able to continue their great work! Keep reading for an update on Outdoors for All and how they've adapted to the changing times.

Anyone can order a Gear Up, Give Back Kit and send in their pre-loved outdoor gear or apparel. Shipping is free! Gear Fix will make any necessary repairs to the items received and place them for sale in their shop. The net proceeds of each sale will be donated to Outdoors for All. For more information about the Gear Up, Give Back program, visit www.getcairn.com/gearupgiveback.

AN UPDATE ON OUTDOORS FOR ALL

Family of three skiing

Founded in 1979 in the Pacific Northwest, Outdoors for All is a national leader in delivering adaptive and therapeutic recreation for children and adults with disabilities. Each year more than 3,300 individuals exercise their abilities thanks to the training and support of more than 900 volunteers. Outdoors for All enriches the lives of individuals with disabilities and helps them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.  Their programs include snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, youth and adult day camps, yoga, military programs, weekend excursions and custom events.

Due to COVID-19, the organization has had to adapt and find creative ways to run their programs and still reach participants and supporters.  They have pivoted some of their in-person programs and events to virtual, such as Zoom yoga classes, spin classes geared towards their military participants and cycling team, and even their annual gala in the fall!  They have recently returned to in person winter programs at both Stevens Pass and the Summit at Snoqualmie.  Although the programs are reduced in capacity and time spent on the hill, the organization has been able to reconnect with volunteers and participants and get back to doing what they love most.

This year has been challenging for Outdoors for All, the same way it has for most.  However, as they move into a new year, they are hopeful for what 2021 brings.  The organization is continuing to grow and find ways to work with volunteers and serve more participants year after year!

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Images courtesy of Outdoors for All

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