Stormtech Launches 1:1 Initiative

VANCOUVER, British Columbia-Stormtech Performance, a designer of apparel, bags, and accessories for the promotional product and retail markets, announces the launch of its 1:1 Initiative. The 1:1 Initiative is a philanthropic program that helps introduce at-risk youth to the outdoors.

Through the project, Stormtech plans to donate 1 percent of its total global sales in the form of much-needed apparel to partner organizations.

Stormtech founder Blake Annable says, “The 1:1 Initiative is an exciting milestone for Stormtech. 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 everything off, Stormtech partners with two British Columbia-based organizations: Take a Hike Foundation and The Street2Peak Project. The company is also in the process of adding other Canadian and US-based foundations.

Take a Hike is a full-time alternate education program that interacts with vulnerable youth ages 15-18 through a combination of academics, therapy, adventure-based learning, and community involvement in British Columbia. The program aims to minimize barriers to education, 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. 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.” Sevan Kadian, Take a Hike program support coordinator, says.

The Street2Peak Project was founded in the downtown eastside of Vancouver in 2013 with the intention of giving disadvantaged youth a chance to explore the world. Through The Street2Peak Project, 15 youth train year-round to prepare for five major international explorations on five different continents. In 2015, Street2Peak climbed Kilimanjaro and explored the Serengeti. In 2017, the project trekked through Patagonia and the Southern Andes. Their expedition in 2019 will be through the Southern Cross and New Zealand.

Trevor Stokes, a teacher for The Street2Peak Project, says, “Stormtech and Street2Peak have formed an amazing partnership. 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.”

As Stormtech is in search of additional organizations to join the 1:1 Initiative, can you think of any local organizations that could benefit from outdoor apparel? The application criteria include the following: a registered non-profit 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, visit distributor.stormtech.ca/pages/1-1-initiative.