L.L.Bean Donates $30,000 to Mass Audubon for Campership Fund
LINCOLN, Mass. – Mass Audubon recently received a gift of $30,000 from L.L. Bean, in conjunction with the grand opening of its newest store in Burlington, L.L. Bean's first foray in Massachusetts. Twenty thousand dollars of this donation will endow a fund for camp scholarships, and the remainder was received in the form of equipment for campers and nature program participants. The camp scholarships, or "camperships," will benefit families who otherwise would not have the means to send their children to one of Mass Audubon's summer camps.
Mass Audubon President Laura Johnson said of L.L. Bean's gift, "We find the idea of partnering with a company that has such a long and reputable history and commitment to preserving the environment especially exciting and rewarding."
L.L. Bean's gift provides nine canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices-perfect for the Mass Audubon programs that take place on the water and help spread the message of appreciating and protecting our rivers and wetlands.
"L.L. Bean has a lot in common with Mass Audubon. We both provide quality outdoor experiences for people who love the outdoors. And we keep, top of mind, the protection of the natural resources that provide us with these outdoor experiences. It's especially important to engage young people now so that they can lead healthy lives and become good stewards of the outdoors in the future," said Ken Kacere, senior vice president and general manager L.L.Bean retail.
Mass Audubon summer camps started in 1949 with the opening of Wildwood, the first summer camp program built entirely around natural history and environmental education activities. It has become a leader and model for many nature specialty camps across the nation. Mass Audubon offers summer and school vacation day camps at 16 of its sanctuaries, at which 6,000 children participate annually.
The Massachusetts Audubon Society is the largest conservation organization in New England, concentrating its efforts on protecting the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Mass Audubon protects more than 30,000 acres of conservation land, conducts educational programs for 250,000 children and adults annually, and advocates for sound environmental policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Established in 1896 and supported by 65,000 member households, Mass Audubon maintains 43 wildlife sanctuaries that are open to the public and serve as the base for its conservation, education, and advocacy work across the state. For more information or to become a member, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit the website at www.massaudubon.org.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading retailer of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. While its business has grown substantially, L.L.Bean still upholds the values of its founder and continues his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. Visit L.L.Bean anytime at llbean.com or visit its newest store at Wayside Commons in Burlington, Massachusetts.
