NEWS RELEASE
Outdoor Outreach Volunteer Recognized with National Award
Outdoor Outreach Receives $20,000 Grant for Outdoor Programs
SAN DIEGO, Calif., November 17, 2004 Outdoor Outreach, a non- profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality outdoor programs for at-risk youth, announced today that Miki Hidaka has received an REI Stewards for the Environment award.
Hidaka will be presented with a $500 REI gift card, and a $20,000 check for Outdoor Outreach at an awards ceremony scheduled for Thursday, December 2 at REI's new Encinitas store located at 1590 Leucadia Boulevard.
The REI Stewards for the Environment program was initiated by REI last year as part of its ongoing commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and to honor the individual volunteer efforts of those who have given generously of their time, energy and skills to ensure that the outdoors are accessible by all and protected for future generations.
REI retail store employees across the country nominated local non-profit organizations which have demonstrated exceptional work in the area of environmental stewardship; the organizations in turn were each asked to nominate one volunteer. Nominees were evaluated on the overall impact of the volunteer efforts, personal volunteer time investment, creative approach to individual efforts and success in engaging others in the cause.
"The patronage of our members and other customers allows REI to support the efforts of volunteer groups dedicated to protecting outdoor places," added REI President and CEO Dennis Madsen. "It's our hope that recognizing the contributions of these amazing outdoor stewards will inspire others to become involved."
Hidaka and the other winners will be prominently recognized on REI.com in REI retail stores nationally with program brochures and in-store posters.
Hidaka has demonstrated selfless devotion to bettering her environment and her community, with her passion serving as inspiration for others to get involved. She recently helped establish a new Outdoor Outreach program that teaches mountain biking, environmental awareness and trail etiquette to inner-city and under-privileged youth.
"Miki's contribution to Outdoor Outreach and to the youth of San Diego is nothing short of amazing," said Chris Rutgers, executive director of Outdoor Outreach. "We are so proud of her and very grateful for the $20,000 grant that will help us to provide outdoor programs to the youth of San Diego."
Hidaka is also a tireless advocate and steward of local trails. She serves on the Noble Canyon Mountain Bike Patrol and is a dedicated trail maintenance volunteer.
Outdoor Outreach is a California Non-Profit Organization committed to providing an opportunity for all children to gain confidence and self-esteem through participation in outdoor activities. This organization is founded on the belief that offering young people a chance to enjoy responsible recreation in the outdoors brings them experiences that will make positive, lasting changes in their lives. Outdoor Outreach welcomes all children, but is especially committed to providing intensive outdoor experiences to at-risk and underprivileged youth. We work together with a wide variety of programs in an effort to reach the at-risk/low income youth population of San Diego County. Program Partners include drug rehabilitation programs, inner-city boys and girls clubs, inner-city public schools, residential boys homes, and several programs within the juvenile justice system. Since its founding in 2001, Outdoor Outreach has taken over 1500 kids on over 400 trips.
REI is an outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its more than 2 million active members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventures. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores—REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com—and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, outdoor fitness, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one- time $15 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.
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