MEC awarded Avalanche Canada's Gordon Ritchie Service Award

Established in 2009, the Gordon Ritchie Service Award acknowledges individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to public avalanche safety. Mountain Equipment Company – MEC, is only the second organization to win this award in its 15-year history.

This recognition underscores MEC's dedication beyond providing outdoor gear and apparel; it reflects the company's mission and dedication to programs and initiatives that enhance outdoor enthusiasts' safety and well-being.
 
Avalanche Canada considered MEC for the award based on several key criteria:

• Long-term uninterrupted support  
• Significance of support
• Genuine commitment to the cause
• Non-monetary contributions, including amplifying and supporting Avalanche Canada's message, collaborating on initiatives, and fostering a two-way relationship.

 
"We are deeply honoured to receive the Gordon Ritchie Service Award from Avalanche Canada," said Caitlin Brown, Senior Community Manager at MEC.  " We have been a partner for over 20 years and this recognition reaffirms our longstanding commitment to fostering a culture of safety and responsibility in the outdoor community. As backcountry access and activities grow in popularity across Canada, MEC has a responsibility to promote and educate safety in the backcountry and we are proud to collaborate with Avalanche Canada in doing this."

As the presenting sponsor of Avalanche Canada’s Avalanche Skill Training (AST) program, MEC provides funding to keep the curriculum updated with the latest in avalanche research, tools and techniques. An impressive 12,000 students learn avalanche safety skills through this program each year. MEC also funds an Avalanche Safety Grant every year, aimed at nonprofit organizations that serve racialized communities, to support more people gaining access to winter backcountry safety training.