The Huntington National Bank has donated $10,000 to the nonprofit Footpath Foundation, enabling the distribution of Footpath’s Outdoor Connection Kits to hundreds of Northeast Ohio kids.
The kits allow kids with limited access to nature to connect with the outdoors.
“We are so grateful to Huntington for this generous donation and for its continued commitment to introducing more kids to nature,” said Mary Macias, Footpath’s CEO and co-founder.
Each kit contains a lesson and supplies to get kids outside. The kits have a wide array of materials designed to be fun, educational and supportive of a child’s social-emotional well-being. Contents may include such items as: bird feeder-making materials, chalk, jump rope, yard games and nature art supplies.
Macias said donations from individuals, corporations and foundations have funded the development and distribution of the kits over 250 kids who lack access to nature. Huntington’s gift is the largest to date.
“The Footpath Foundation helps children make stronger connections with the outdoors and nature. In this time of social distancing, when fresh air is most needed, their work is vital to providing opportunities for kids to enjoy the bene fits of being outside,” said Sean Richardson, Regional President of Huntington. “The Outdoor Connection Kits will provide a pathway to the natural world for children that might not have easy access to parks and recreational places. Providing resources is an essential part of addressing the nature gap and we’re proud to support this effort.”
Footpath Foundation connects youth to nature, providing outdoor experiences they would not otherwise have. Opportunities such as hiking, exploring, fishing, and camping help kids become more resilient, improve their physical and mental health, and develop life-enhancing skills.
The 5-year-old nonprofit offers outdoor adventures, school-based programming, summer camp and equestrian therapy. For more information, go to foot pathfoundation.org.
