LONDON ⁘ Burberry is launching a partnership with the Outward Bound Trust, an outdoor education charity, to provide greater access to outdoor learning to secondary school students in London, Leeds, Castleford and Keighley ⁘ regions connected to Burberry ⁘s heritage.
The program will support students aged 10 to 18 so they can join outdoor activities, including hiking, abseiling, canoeing and overnight expeditions, at a low cost in 2024. The initiative is part of Burberry's communities program, Burberry Inspire. Burberry employees will also volunteer their time to mentor participants.
The brand said the partnership stands on a shared history of protecting explorers from the elements.
Historic adventurers Ernest Shackleton, Arthur Clouston and Betty Kirby-Green wore garments made from the brand's innovative fabric gabardine during their respective adventures, while the Outward Bound Trust⁘s training helped young seafarers to survive in harsh sea conditions.
Jonathan Akeroyd, chief executive officer at Burberry, said the company is ⁘proud to continue the legacy of our founder and to support young people in the communities that are so deeply connected to our heritage.⁘
⁘We hope that with our shared passion for the outdoors and equally storied heritage, our partnership will inspire a new generation of young people to believe in themselves and have the courage to go beyond,⁘ he added.
Martin Davidson, CEO at the Outward Bound Trust, said: ⁘Through this partnership, Burberry is not just supporting Outward Bound, they⁘re investing in the future leaders of our country. It's about lighting a spark of adventure, resilience and determination in young people, values that have been at the core of our mission since 1941.⁘
