We aspire to involve more consumers in safe and responsible outdoor recreation by serving as a resource to our members, customers and communities. Our employees in green vests provide helpful information they have gained from their personal experiences and training, and assist in the selection of the most appropriate apparel and equipment. In many ways, we consider REI as a gateway to the outdoors.

Our passionate employees facilitate opportunities for learning through programs such as Outdoor School, outings led by REI staff that teach new activities or improve existing skills in a day. Examples of activities include hiking, paddling, mountain biking and photography.

Our stores also offer a wide range of classes each month that range from bike maintenance, backpacking basics, triathlon training and support, geocaching, bird watching and much more. REI staff and local outdoors groups lead the educational sessions. To learn more about your local REI store offerings, visit http://www.rei.com/map/store.

As a service to recreation clubs and conservation nonprofits, we donate meeting and event space at our stores across the country. We also help bring awareness to their causes by allowing them to post volunteer announcements and event information on our store Outdoor Resource Center bulletin boards.

Recognizing that organizations in our communities play an important role in engaging others in outdoor recreation, we are proud to support their efforts through REI's grants program. In 2006, some of our localized giving included:

• American Canoe Association (Springfield, Va.)—REI supported the Association's Boater Safety and Conservation Clinic that educates the local paddling community about skills for safe water recreation and the preservation of the Potomac River Watershed.
• Bend Paddle Trail Alliance, Inc (Bend, Ore.)—REI helped fund the design and layout of a guide for the Deschutes Paddle Trail, 110 miles of river and 22,000 acres of lakes. The printed guide enables users to access the trail that is appropriate for an individual's paddling skill and interest.
• Carolina Climbers Coalition (Raleigh, N.C.)—Through its mission to preserve climbing areas, promote education and safety, the coalition received a matching grant from REI. By acquiring Laurel Knob, the tallest rock face in the eastern United States, the coalition will open the recreation area to the climbing community and engage participants in stewardship efforts.
• Wilderness Inquiry, Inc. (Minneapolis, Minn.)—Wilderness Inquiry strives to integrate people with and without disabilities in a shared wilderness experience in order to break down barriers for both groups. REI's grant helped cover the costs of scholarships for 15-18 individuals who would otherwise be unable to participate in the program offerings.