The outdoors is the best place to be yourself, and MEC is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion outside all year long. The company has launched a new initiative, along with some fun Pride-themed events.

Launch of Queer Gear Kits

MEC wants to increase equity in the outdoors, and have launched a new annual grants program to support the LGBTQ2S+ community and get more folks outside. Applications are open June 16 – July 9, and four community groups will be selected as recipients of this inaugural Queer Gear Kits.

What’s in the Queer Gear Kit?

  • $1,000 grant to put toward outdoor activities for your community group
  • Epic camp set-up for your crew (tents, sleeping bags, camp stove and more)
  • Pride outside gear from MEC

If you’re part of a community group that might be interested, help spread the word!

Apply here.

Pride Climb – June 25 and 26

Join MEC and Arc’teryx in-stores to celebrate Pride, get in some climbing and meet community groups. Beginner climbers are totally welcome, as they’ll have staff from climbing gyms to show you the ropes. Plus, there’ll be knowledge sessions, giveaways, chats with athletes, and local LGBTQ2S+ climbing groups to connect with.

Location: MEC Toronto, 300 Queen Street West 11am – 5pm

Join the celebrations throughout the store, including music, games, snow cones, refreshments and lots more:

  • Bouldering wall is open for climbing by donation
  • Intro to bouldering clinics from Basecamp Climbing staff
  • Bouldering comp – get your fingers ready
  • Giveaways and lots of prizes
  • Connect with local climbing and advocacy groups

All proceeds support local LGBTQ2S+ community programs.

Parkbus Pride Hike – June 26

Parkbus, one of MEC’s Outdoor Impact partners, is putting the wheels in motion for a Active Days Pride Hike on June 26.  If you haven’t heard of Parkbus, they’re your ride to the great outdoors across Canada. It’s an awesome service that connects cities to campgrounds, canoe access points, lodges and hiking trails.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.