Your support means everything. Here’s how to help.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve received an overwhelming amount of support from every corner of our co-op community. Many of you have reached out with questions about how to best support the co-op while our stores are closed.

The simplest way is to do what so many of you are already doing—continuing to be loyal REI customers. Our stores may be closed, but REI.com is open and your online purchases of gear, apparel, and even gift cards for your own future adventures or as a thank-you to someone else, are a big help and are deeply appreciated.

From all of us at the co-op, thank you.

In response to your questions and suggestions, we’ve also put together a short list of some additional ways you can support the co-op.

1.  Join the co-op

If you’re not an REI member, become one. And if your family or friends are sharing a membership, encourage them to become a member themselves. A $20, lifetime membership goes a long way in supporting everything we do as a co-op. And the benefits of membership, from a 10% dividend on your purchases to exclusive member-only products and offerings to becoming a part of a 18-million-strong community, all bring you closer to the outdoors.

2.  Support a local outdoor non profit organization

Lots of organizations from the outdoor community need extra help right now. Over our history, REI has invested more than $100 million to protect and steward the outdoors. In the face of this crisis, the REI Foundation has created an Outdoor Emergency Fund at Network for Good to help make sure your support goes to the local organizations that need it most.

3.  Contribute to the 100 Million Mask Challenge

As an individual, your gift will help this nationwide effort to produce and deliver much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) on a large scale for our health care heroes. And if you run a business with PPE to donate, consider joining REI to support Protecting People Everywhere. It’s a companion program that matches organizations that can donate PPE with local hospitals based on need. We are committing $100,000 to help get these medical professionals the protection they need.

Again, thank you. Next month, REI will celebrate its 83rd anniversary. While this crisis will test us all, I believe we’ll get through it in the same way we’ve grown over the last 82 years—as a community. Stay safe, and we’ll see you out there soon.

My best,

Eric Artz
President & CEO, REI Co-op