REI founder turns 100
10/12/2009
The REI Foundation, a non-profit organisation supported by outdoor gear and apparel retail co-operative REI, has established the Mary Anderson Legacy Grant in celebration of the company co-founder’s one hundredth birthday.
The annual grant will recognise the contributions that Ms Anderson made in the lives of young people during her years as a teacher, over her years of working at REI and through her life-long love of the outdoors.
The Foundation will award the first $50,000 Mary Anderson Legacy Grant in 2010 in support of efforts that actively engage young people in learning about nature through hands-on engagement and exploration of the outdoors.
“We are forever grateful to Mary for her passion to introduce people to the wonders of nature. At 100 years young, Mary is an inspiration to me, REI employees and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere,” said Sally Jewell, REI president and chief executive. “From her career as an educator to helping operate the co-op from the attic of her Seattle home, Mary’s selfless energy and involvement will be recognised for years to come through the REI Foundation.”
REI was founded as a co-op in 1938 by Mary and her husband, Lloyd Anderson, and 21 mountaineering friends in Seattle. Today, the co-op is an active community partner with 110 stores, nearly 10,000 employees and more than 3.7 million active members.
In honor of her one-hundredth birthday, Governor Christine Gregoire and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels each proclaimed, December 7, as Mary Anderson Day across the State of Washington and City of Seattle.
REI celebrated with Mary Anderson at its headquarters on December 8 at an event that included past company presidents and retired employees who worked with her in REI’s early years.
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