March 1, 2023
Found in “Community news”
The news is out and it’s something to celebrate: MEC has officially partnered with The Lady Alliance Foundation to help change the face of leadership in the outdoors. What does that mean for you? A series of awesome events in March, an even bigger outdoor scholarship program, and more fantastic plans for women+ in 2023. With International Women’s Day on March 8, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
Learn more about what’s coming, sign up for events, and get to know Kieren Britton, founder of The Lady Alliance.
What’s The Lady Alliance Foundation?
The Lady Alliance Foundation is an inclusive organization that supports women+, non-binary adventurers and allies in the outdoors. It started as an online social community and grew into much more: adventures, retreats, courses and local chapters across Canada. In 2022, The Lady Alliance launched a scholarship program for backcountry skills – everything from avalanche safety training and wilderness first aid to swift water rescue and hiking guide certification.
MEC has been working with The Lady Alliance for years, and we’re stoked to welcome them as an official partner as part of our Outdoor Impact program. Our support will provide gear donations to their program leaders and fund scholarships to help more folks develop outdoor skills.
“It’s so exciting to finally officially be a non-profit and offer scholarships to incredible people who seek to learn, grow and create more community experiences in the outdoors.” – Keiren Britton, The Lady Alliance founder
The Lady Alliance events on March 8
Celebrate International Women’s Day with The Lady Alliance chapters across Canada. All events are low-cost or free – sign up at the links below. Don’t see your location on the list? The Lady Alliance is growing and there might be a local chapter near you with other events happening in 2023.
British Columbia
-
Vancouver: Social climb night at MEC Vancouver
-
East Kootenays: Social climb night at ARQ Mountain Centre
-
Victoria: Sunset hike at Mount Doug
-
Campbell River: Social climb night at On the Rocks
-
Quesnel: Sunset hike to the bluff
-
Blind Bay: Sunset hike on Mount Baldy
Alberta
-
Calgary: Sunset hike at Weaselhead Flats
-
Edmonton: Social climb night at Boulders Climbing
Saskatchewan
-
Saskatoon: Social climb night at Grip It Climbing
-
Parkland/Yorkton: Sunset cross-country ski night at Deer Park Golf Course
Ontario
- Toronto: Social climb night at MEC Toronto
Yukon
- Whitehorse: Sunset hike at Wolf Creek
Get to know Kieren, founder of The Lady Alliance Foundation
Kieren loves to dream of the ridiculous and make it a reality. Whether it’s cycling across Canada or converting a school bus into a full-time home, there’s nothing she enjoys more than testing the limits.
What’s your top memory with The Lady Alliance?
I have so many incredible memories. From touring in the backcountry taking our AST1 together to traveling across Canada hosting film festivals – the adventures have been endless. But my favourite? When I see long-lasting friendships formed from our meetups, like two members travelling Europe together after meeting at one of our long weekend retreats, or people becoming workout buddies, dog walking buddies or everyday best friends.
Number one outdoor tip?
Be bold, start cold. And always carry your warm layer and extra snacks for lunch break.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, International Women's Day has started to mean less about the binary of “woman” and more about the recognition of the barriers that so many people overcome to redefine what success means to them outside a patriarchal capitalist culture. I have an immense privilege in having a binarily-labeled day recognizing who I am and the barriers I might experience. But the more I look at International Women's Day, the more I see it as a way to disrupt the system and accelerate equity overall.
Thanks, Kieren! Can’t wait to see how 2023 unfolds with The Lady Alliance – hope to see everyone at the events.
