The Continuum Project is the Alpkit Foundation's campaign designed to make it easy for you to donate your outdoor kit directly to those who need it most, and keep your kit out of landfill whilst you're at it.
The idea is simple. You send us outdoor garments that you no longer use and we pass them on to charities who will in turn give them directly to someone who needs them for protection from the elements.
Occasionally, when a garment is deemed no longer fit for purpose, it will be donated to scientific research projects relating to the outdoor industry and up/downcycling projects.
We currently work with a range of charities who we send your donated kit to for them to distribute directly to those who need it.
You can donate your gear in person at our Ambleside and Hathersage stores or at Alpkit HQ or you can post us your donations. For full details go to the Continuum Project page
So if you're heading to the Lakes or the Peak District over the next few weeks then bring along your unwanted bits and bobs and pop them into the donation bins instore.
From 23rd April until 23rd July, we will also be working with Gift your Gear
Gift Your Gearis an award-winning nationwide initiativethat provides outdoor clothing and equipment to UK community organisations, youth groups and charities working with young people in the outdoors. Founded by Sarah Howcroft, Gift Your Gear aims to encourage people todonate unwanted outdoor gearthey no longer want or need.
Gift Your Gear aims to help the next generation get outdoors. For children and young people getting outdoors can be good for their physical, emotional and intellectual well-being. The ability to pay for outdoor clothing and equipment is often cited as a reason for non-participation.
First impressions count and it’s hard to enjoy your early experiences in the outdoors when you’re cold, wet and uncomfortable. Having the right clothing and equipment helps to ensure that outdoor experiences are safe and enjoyable.
Sarah, stresses the importance of reusing outdoor gearthat still has plenty of life left in it
“Most outdoor gear will last much longer than we want or need it too, its full potential is never realised.The outdoor gear you donate will make a real differenceto the community organisations, youth groups and charities who receive it. Enabling the next generationto benefit from life changing experiences in the great outdoors regardless of their circumstances”
Gift your Gear will join our existing charity recipients and allows us to expand what donations we can accept.
So bring along your outdoor clothing, rucksacks, footwear, tents, cookers, maps and guides, sleeping bags and mats, pan-sets, climbing equipment, sunglasses, walking poles. If you have anything else that you want to donate then please get in touch.
Unfortunatley we can't accept underwear, hydration packs, weapons (including knives) or gas cyclinders.