Hundreds of people crashed Osprey’s spring local-only sale last week, helping to benefit two area nonprofits with $2,100 each.
Five percent of the proceeds from the sale on Friday, May 9, will be donated to both the Cortez Cultural Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing Southwestern culture and art, and CASA of the Four Corners, a non-profit dedicated to helping abused or neglected children.
“We were thrilled that Osprey chose us,” said CASA case manager Barbara Casey. “It shows they care about the community.”
Casey said her organization’s share of the proceeds would be utilized to recruit and train additional volunteers, who conduct independent observations of abused and neglected children and serve as a voice on their behalf in the judicial system.
Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Dena Guttridge applauded Osprey’s endeavor, stating that the company understands the importance of giving back to the community and being a good neighbor. She added that other local business owners could learn to create a similar culture of generosity and build even stronger connections and relationships within the community.
“Giving back doesn’t always have to mean money, although that’s certainly needed,” Guttridge said. “Frequently, the best investment a company can make isn’t with their money, but with their time and resources.”
Osprey holds a spring and fall locals-only sale, and last year’s proceeds of nearly $7,000 were donated to the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, Mountain Studies Institute, Southwest Colorado Canyon Association and Dolores River Anglers Chapter 145 of Trout Unlimited.
“Most of our local charitable organizations operate on a shoestring budget,” said Sam Mix, the company’s outdoor marketing manager. “They do great work for the community, and we’re proud to help.”
Osprey’s biannual local only sales offer wholesale-or-below discounts on the Osprey line of messenger bags, hydration packs, day packs, travel bags and hiking packs, to name a few.
Attempts to reach Cortez Cultural Center director Donna Steward for comment were unsuccessful.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com