Buy a Kelty, get a ranger

• Posted on August 1, 2008 at 3:07 PM
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The Kelty Urchin, one of the company's new for 08 junior packs.

For every Kelty junior sized backpack purchased between now and June 2009, Kelty will donate $1 to the National Wildlife Federation. It won't benefit Canadian wildlife or wild places but it is worthwhile. In turn the National Wildlife Federation will give pack purchasers three free issues of Ranger Rick. I grew up on Ranger Rick - it's a solid magazine for kids.

Here's part of what a news release said:

“We’re very excited to be working with such a committed organization, supporting a very worthwhile cause,” said Kenny Ballard, president of Kelty. “We see protecting wildlife and wild places as one of the keys to keeping future generations engaged in a healthy outdoor lifestyle, and connecting with kids is one of the best ways to encourage future interest in environmental protection.”

Founded in 1936, National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization with over four million members, volunteers and supporters. NWF’s mission is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.

‘Connecting People To Nature’ is an NWF initiative designed to reverse nature deficit and build a mainstream movement of wildlife advocates through programs that get people outdoors while providing wildlife-based reading and education activities to parents, children, schools, and community groups.

I think it's important to support these kinds of efforts. While companies have great intentions, it is the consumer's dollar that is the biggest motivator. Plus, getting kids into the wilderness is important. We need to foster a value for wild places in the next generation, so they will be protected in perpetuity. And what better time to go hiking or canoeing with a kid than this weekend - the August long weekend in most of Canada. So, what are you planning to do this weekend?

For me it's the first weekend in a more than a month that I will be home. I've got a few chores around the house and then I want to get out on the mountain bike trails nearby. I'll grab some video and photos of the action for you.