BRP's Generous Donation Supports Northern Communities' Youth with Lynx Apparel
BRP Donates Lynx Apparel to Northern Communities
In a significant gesture towards community support, BRP Inc. has announced its recent donation of over CAD $500,000 worth of Lynx apparel to seven northern communities in Canada. This charitable act has been made in partnership with the Healthy Horizons Foundation (HHF), which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people in these regions. The donation is part of BRP's ongoing commitment to its Ride Out Intimidation initiative, aimed at fostering confidence and safety among youth since its inception in 2023.
The apparel donation was meticulously organized by HHF, ensuring that the distribution of clothing was managed efficiently across various locations. The communities benefiting from this generous initiative include St. Theresa Point in Manitoba, Sandy Lake, Pikangikum in Ontario, Shamattawa, South Indian Lake, Aklavik, and Tulita in the Northwest Territories. Just over a thousand individuals received clothing, with priority given to children, enabling them to stay warm during harsh winters. This act of kindness goes beyond just clothing; it represents a commitment to improving the quality of life in remote and often underserved areas.
Elise Auvachez Millot, Vice-President of Public Affairs and Corporate Sustainability at BRP, expressed the importance of such community-driven efforts: “The Healthy Horizons Foundation plays a crucial role in our Ride Out Intimidation program. By providing essential winter apparel and investing in educational programs such as the Northy Club, we are empowering youth and establishing safe environments, thus building a promising future for northern communities.”
Introducing the Northy Club Program
Building on this initiative, BRP and HHF have also collaborated to launch the Northy Club, an afterschool program initiated in October 2024. This program is tailored for students in Grades 5 to 8 from Northern Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of education, personal development, and healthy living. The program is designed to create an educationally stimulating environment while integrating anti-bullying and intimidation prevention practices championed by BRP.
The Northy Club will return for its second year in the fall of 2025 at St. Theresa Point Middle Years School, with plans for expansion based on community needs. Jim Caldwell, President of Canadian Retail at The North West Company and Board Member of the Healthy Horizons Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of BRP's contributions, stating, “Thanks to their support, we have significantly increased our outreach, offering quality gear that youth and families can take pride in, alongside safe spaces where young people feel recognized and encouraged.”
About the Healthy Horizons Foundation
Established in 2015, the Healthy Horizons Foundation is committed to advancing health and welfare in northern and remote communities. It aims to foster growth and opportunity for youth through various initiatives that address health, nutrition, education, and cultural needs. With each partnership, HHF strives to create sustainable programs that empower the next generation.
The Impact of Corporate Responsibility
BRP Inc. stands out as a global leader in recreational products, combining over 80 years of experience with a strong focus on customer needs. Their brands, including Ski-Doo, Lynx, and Sea-Doo, contribute not just to exhilarating adventures but also to responsible and sustainable practices. As the company continues to grow, it remains dedicated to addressing environmental challenges by developing electric models across their product lines.
In conclusion, BRP’s substantial donation and continued partnership with the Healthy Horizons Foundation marks a significant step toward supporting northern communities. This initiative not only provides much-needed apparel but also enacts positive change through educational programs aimed at fostering the growth of young individuals in these regions.