90 years, 4 generations, 1 family
Last week, Robinson’s Outdoor Store celebrated its 90th anniversary; an exciting moment for the family-run business that has been providing outdoor enthusiasts across Vancouver Island with a variety of specialized gear since 1929. The event took place in the store and invited the community to join in celebration. The store is iconic in the Victoria area and holds a special place in the hearts of everyone involved in Power To Be.
Robinson’s Outdoor store initially became involved with Power To Be many years ago, after Gayle Robinson, the store’s current owner, decided that she wanted to give substantially to a charity whose goals aligned with her own values. Power To Be’s mission immediately spoke to her and she wanted to do everything in her power to help support our growing organization.
After contacting her suppliers, Robinson’s Outdoor store made their very first donation. Thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment was donated which helped the successful launch of our Wilderness School; an incredible program for youth that is now in its 12th year. Tents, sleeping bags, mats, rain gear, and backpacks were just a few of the numerous items included in the donation. Since that donation, every year, Robinson’s donates new gear based on need to help support the many programs we run. When asked about Robinson’s, Jason Cole, Director of Programs at Power To Be, spoke with great appreciation for their contributions to our organization, “For over 10 years Robinson’s has be an integral part in our mission to get folks outside and discovering the natural world around them. We would not have been able to provide the thousands of experiences in nature over the years if it had not been for their generous support and expert advice from their incredible staff team.”
The long-standing arrangement between Robinson’s and Power To Be has blossomed into much more than a business relationship. A mutual understanding, respect, and deep sense of gratitude exists which has consistently allowed our programs to run with comfort and ease. With a shared interest in nature, inclusion, and supporting families and communities, staff members alike regularly pay visits to each other’s offices, where it’s like stepping into a friend’s home, welcomed by smiles, high fives, and hugs.
The Robinson’s team loves to get involved in Power To Be’s initiatives. Robinson’s staff have been volunteers in numerous programs and attend the Wilderness School Graduation every year, where they provide graduates with outdoor packs to help them get started on their own. Erin Boggs, Gayle’s daughter, and 4th generation co-owner, spoke of witnessing the impact of Power To Be, “To me, Power To Be isn’t just programs, it’s a feeling so heartwarming in my chest that I can’t help but smile every time I think about the impact I’ve seen it have on the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of spending time with. It fosters growth, confidence and a general sense of wanting to help others thrive and succeed through relationship and experience.”
The help and generosity of Robinson’s has allowed Power To Be to grow and thrive, allowing more people than ever the chance to get outside and explore. Congratulations Robinson’s Outdoor Store on your 90th anniversary and thank you for your enthusiastic and outpouring support!