In late 2006 we added a new resource for our employees, members and customers to research and connect to opportunities within their communities. Through our partner VolunteerMatch, individuals can locate meaningful volunteer opportunities that meet their interest and available time. In the fourth quarter, VolunteerMatch logged 1,227 referrals to nonprofit organizations via the portal hosted on REI.com.

Stewards for the Environment

Every year through REI's Stewards for the Environment awards program, we select local community heroes who work tirelessly to inspire others to care for the environment and recreate outside. The awards also highlight how individuals contribute different skills and how their roles positively impact communities across the country.

Winners are selected based on the evaluation of the overall impact of their efforts, personal time investment, creative approach and success in engaging others. Mirroring our employees' involvement in our market-based grants program, REI store teams select local nonprofit organizations to nominate extraordinary volunteers. To celebrate their achievements and honor their personal cause, REI proudly donates $20,000 to each designated organization. Additionally, each individual receives a $500 REI gift card. REI's 2006 Stewards for the Environment recipients were:

Nataka Crayton
Boston, Mass.
Urban Ecology Institute

Pete "Pickaxe" Fish
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Sacramento, Calif.

Allen de Hart
Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Raleigh, N.C.

Dan Harrison
Michigan Mountain Biking Association
Troy, Mich.

Jan Prentice
Seattle Girl Scouts - Totem Council
Seattle, Wash.

Anna Ryan
Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona
Tempe, Ariz.

Fran Taylor
San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
San Francisco, Calif.

Bill Tregoning
Winter Wildlands Alliance
Boise, Idaho

For complete stories about our 2006 winners, click here.