Each year Arc’teryx employees donate their time to assemble waterproof capes manufactured from excess materials to be distributed to the homeless in their hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. But these aren’t some hodgepodge garments. They are manufactured from the same performance fabrics that go into the Arc’teryx line. Here is the Arc’teryx report.

Arc’teryx Birds Nest Project 2012 from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.

“Anything that makes use of raw materials we can no longer use for commercial production is a valid and worthy project; this is just one example of how we are trying to keep waste out of the landfill.”

Joanne Mayzes is the Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx LEAF (Vancouver BC) is pleased to announce that it will be teaming up with the Vancouver Police Department this winter to distribute waterproof capes to the city’s downtown homeless population. Designed by Arc’teryx and built from technical waterproof and insulated fabrics, the aim of the partnership is to provide shelter to some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Arc’teryx, a commercial manufacturer of high performance outdoor equipment, is in the unique position of owning and operating its own manufacturing facility in Greater Vancouver. Used for the production of in line garments as well as for samples that can be used for research and field testing, the factory does experience an accumulation of excess or discontinued raw materials over time. The Birds Nest Project is a grassroots initiative that takes these materials and puts it into the hands of volunteer company employees who donate their time to turn the fabric into capes.

Currently in its fourth year, Birds Nest Project has distributed the finished capes via shelters like the Harvest Project and Harbour Lights. This year, the group wished to widen distribution and hopefully add a personal touch by teaming up with the VPD’s Homeless Outreach Program, that will enable the capes to be distributed into the heart of the community in need.

“The VPD connects with many men and women who unfortunately find themselves sleeping on Vancouver’s streets. Our goal is to offer our support to connect the homeless with the necessary resources to stay safe, healthy and then ultimately, to find housing. To place these capes directly into the hands of those who need them most is significant. To receive a cape at their “home” is exactly where it is needed the most.” Constable Jodyne Keller – VPD Homeless Outreach and SRO Coordinator

The VPD and Arc’teryx LEAF have a longstanding relationship, with an equipment program that supplies the force with wet, west coast protection. It is a relationship based on reliability and trust and the value of extending the Birds Nest capes via the VPD is rewarding for both parties

This year the hope is to place over 700 of the windproof, waterproof capes into the hands of the VPD and local shelters. Arc’teryx encourages other local companies to create and promote their own unique social responsibility initiatives. As with any collective effort, the true benefit of the Birds Nest project comes from the time volunteers share together and the gift of giving.

www.arcteryx.com

We regularly field questions about the Arc’teryx naming conventions. It can be easy to get confused as there are various versions of many of the products which are essentially modifications for specific use. Once you understand the lingo, it’s easy to see what is going on.

SV: SEVERE WEATHER
Designed for use in the harshest of conditions. The SV garments are manufactured from the most durable of materials and feature hoods.

AR: ALL ROUND
These products are crafted from mid-weight materials and are designed with versatility in mind.

MX: MIXED WEATHER
Designed for mixed weather and dynamic movement The MX clothing feature durable, highly mobile stretch materials which are breathable and moisture shedding.

LT: LIGHT WEIGHT
These are made from the lightest of materials with streamlined feature sets.

SL: SUPER LIGHT
Predominantly made with lightweight WL Gore Paclite textiles, this is generally the lightest weight garment in a series.

SK: SKI TOURING SPECIFIC
The SK is a winter sports-focused design with generous articulation for ski touring and alpine climbing.

FL: FAST & LIGHT
Minimalist garments for traveling fast and light in a variety of weather conditions.

To check out the entire line of Arc’teryx products visit them online.

We originally posted this in November 09.