InsideOutdoor Magazine

Inside Outdoor | SUMMER 2018 14 beyond in getting the word out and raising awareness,” he said. Bussanich explained a recent oppor- tunity where he and Richards transported gently used camping gear to the students of the Outdoor Adventure Club at Foun- dation Academies School in Trenton, N.J. for their upcoming adventure trip. The team contributed 20 sleeping bags, 12 stuff sacks, nine sleeping pads, eight tents, two mess kits, two sets of pots, pans and utensils and two lanterns. “Witnessing their excitement and ap- preciation first-hand helped to validate unequivocally the mission of supporting youth in need so that they too can enjoy the outdoor experience,” said Bussan- ich. “Campmor is honored to be included in this constructive effort and we look forward to a beneficial and long-term partnership with Gear Forward.” m Gear Forward is actively looking for retailers who want to participate in this rewarding program and for organiza- tions that can benefit from its services. To find out how, check out www.gear- forward.org. “Gear Forward offers the opportunity to form strategic partnerships,” Gauvin said. “We will go above and beyond to market retailers when they partner with us, because they are stepping up and doing a good thing.” As Gauvin added, it doesn’t take a lot of effort on the store owner’s part aside from putting a box in the store where people can place their equip- ment. Gear Forward will pick the gear up when the box is full. One retailer that Gear Forward has formed a strong partnership with is New Jersey’s Campmor. “I believe the partnership between Campmor and Gear Forward has been a spectacular success,” explained Lenny Bussanich, buyer and outreach coordinator at Campmor. “We are excited to be the first retailer to have a donation box and jar located in the store, and the response has been outstanding, as the mission of Gear Forward has resonated well with our customer base.” Bussanich also spoke highly of the Gear Forward team. “Collaborating with Scott Gauvin as well as Diana Richards, the New York-New Jersey ambassador for Gear Forward, has been a rewarding experience. Diana has gone above and Campmor (N.J.) is the first outdoor retailer to step forward and allow a gear donation box in their store. Patrons of Campmor regularly donate unneeded outdoor items which are then collected and distributed to Gear Forward vetted outdoor youth non-profits in need in the area. Executive director of Gear Forward Scott Gauvin delivering needing life jackets to a Girl Scout Camp in Springfield, Ill. (where Gear Forward is based). The Advocates