Winnebago Industries is bolstering its support of the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service.
In effort to align with NPF priorities, such as diversifying the next generation of “outdoor leaders,” Winnebago will fund critical preservation and restoration projects in parks across the U.S.
This year, the manufacturer and its Winnebago Industries Foundation sector will focus on service corps programs, which provide people ages 18 to 35 with park connections, work opportunities and job training within America’s national parks. Participants will learn new construction and preservation skills, Winnebago stated, while providing parks with infrastructure improvements.
“Winnebago Industries is uniquely positioned to help bring more people to national parks safely and comfortably, thanks to our wide array of outdoor lifestyle products,” company President and CEO Michael Happe said. “However, the partnership with the National Park Foundation runs much deeper. Together we aim to grow equitable outdoor spaces by engaging the next generation of women and outdoor enthusiasts of color with meaningful career pathways in national parks. It is an honor to support the work of the National Park Foundation in pursuit of our common goals.”
As part of its partnership with NPF, Winnebago and its foundation stated a plan to accelerate efforts the company initiated two years ago to raise awareness around the more than 400 national parks available to visitors. The Winnebago Industries Foundation also provides support for NPF’s Open OutDoors for Kids program, which offers students learning opportunities to experience national parks’ “beauty, history and culture” through field trips and educational resources.
“Winnebago Industries’ support is critical to the NPF’s efforts to deepen people’s connections to parks and inspire future generations of park stewards,” NPF President and CEO Will Shafroth said. “Together, we are helping to create more equitable outdoors spaces, including where we live, work, travel and play.”
When the partnership launched in 2019, Winnebago debuted a limited-edition National Park Foundation Travato RV, featuring exclusive graphics and a solar power system. To further its efforts, Winnebago will feature a Winnebago Solis as a prize on the Wheel of Fortune television show March 8, highlighting the show’s national park-themed week.
