Hikers are a generous bunch. We will share our trail tips, a bottle of water or a granola bar at the summit without giving it a second thought. And we care about the places we venture out in.
#GivingTuesday is an annual day of giving that is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the non-profit organizations that mean so much to us.
How You Can Help
There are a wide-range of organizations that you may choose to support. Here’s a list of organizations that fit with our SoCal hiking community:
San Gorgonio Wilderness Association
The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) is a volunteer driven organization that works in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service to preserve and protect your public lands through service and education. Each year up to 200 volunteers donate over 27,000 hours of time in maintaining the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest. Your donation offers support for volunteers in the form of tools, safety equipment, teaching materials, radios, identifying T-shirts, training and certifications, and recognition. Donate now.
Trash Free Earth
Trash Free Earth was founded in Southern California with a mission to help clean up trails and educate people about trail stewardship. Your contribution can help them purchase more supplies and create educational tools for schools visits and events. You can help them grow, and help make a real difference. Donate here.
American Hiking Society
The American Hiking Society wants you to stand for what you stand on. You can help them voice hiker’s concerns, create volunteer opportunities, and educate Congress about the importance of maintaining our wild places. Protect the places you love by donating today.
Big City Mountaineers
We have been raising awareness and funds for Big City Mountaineers through our annual SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, but you don’t have to wait to donate. Your contribution is an investment in the growth of an under-resourced teen, giving them an opportunity to experience the outdoors in ways that many do not. You can donate through our Six-Pack of Peaks team, or (if you’re planning on registering for the 2018 challenge) consider making your peaks count for something more by joining our team as a fundraiser. Donate to BCM.
Other Ways to Give
Of course, giving doesn’t not have to be monetary. You can volunteer for the trail maintenance crew for SGWA. Join a trail clean-up event.
Let’s all help protect and maintain the wild spaces we love for our children and grandchildren.
How are you celebrating #GivingTuesday? What groups or organizations do you support? Let us know in the comments.
Oh, and you can’t really “miss” #GivingTuesday. Your support will be welcome on Wednesday, Thursday… or any other day of the week.
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