The North Face Canada Launches 2011 Explore Fund Registration for Outdoor-Focused Non-Profit Organizations

2011 Explore Fund Kicks Off First Round Funding With $100,000 in Grants

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – AUGUST 1, 2011 – The North Face, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, today announced they are now accepting Canadian applications for the 2011 Explore Fund™ (http://www.explorefund.ca) , a grant-giving program supporting nonprofit community organizations that break down the barriers to getting youth outdoors.

Introduced in the U.S. in 2010, the Explore Fund was established to inspire and enable the next generation of explorers by funding nonprofit organizations that are working to re-connect children with nature. For 2011, the Explore Fund will now be open to Canadian organizations with up to $100 000 of funding to be allocated to projects in the fall (through October 5th).

The North Face introduced the Explore Fund as part of the company’s mission to encourage an active healthy lifestyle and to generate greater support and protection of our natural landscapes by creating a stronger connection with the outdoors. Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to organizations that create connections of children to nature, increase access to both front and backcountry recreation, and provide education for both personal and environmental health.

“We are very proud to launch the Explore Fund in Canada and help support inspiring local charities that encourage more Canadian youth to get active outside,” says Corey Stecker, Director of Marketing for The North Face Canada. “Outdoor participation goes beyond exploring your local parks and camp sites; it’s about educating today’s youth on the importance of leading active lifestyles outdoors and getting involved in local programs that will help build and maintain sustainable outdoor communities for years to come.”

Applications for the Explore Fund (http://www.explorefund.ca) are now being accepted online through September 15, 2011. Submissions will be vetted by issues experts and the most promising projects will be announced on October 5, 2011.

About The North Face®

The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.