We know that being outdoors is transformative. Science has shown that it changes our brains for the better. When we spend time out there our stress goes down, our empathy goes up and we feel happier.

And that’s why we’re proud to partner with organisations who help people experience all the goodness nature has to offer.

Kathmandu have partnered with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra as their Major Community Engagement Sponsor. We encourage people to get #outthere to improve their wellbeing. Just like us, the CSO aims to bring JOY and enhance the wellbeing of their community which they do through music and live music experiences on their platforms.

This partnership enables Kathmandu to give back to the city of Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region via direct positive impact on the wellbeing of the community. The CSO community engagement programs provide musical engagement opportunities for over 36,000 participants and delivers over 130 free activities annually.

The CSO community engagement programs span across the Canterbury region and help to remove barriers to music and live music based experiences for people who are often at the margins of society; including people with disabilities and mental health issues, at risk youth, the elderly and people in correctional programs. Their community engagement activities include musical education, concerts, and workshops, and aim to increase confidence, social competence and openness to wider learning opportunities.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation fosters a connection between young people, mentors and the outdoors, because like us, they know being in nature can enhance mental fitness. With shared values they’re the perfect organisation to work together with in Aotearoa, so we’re supporting a series of Wilderness Adventures, Adventure Camps and Activity Days that will see hundreds of young people become empowered by spending time in New Zealand’s stunning wilderness.

Check out the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s great work here.

We’re big fans of Beyond Blue and are collabing with them on events that get people outdoors and into the wide world of nature. As the official partner of #teambeyondblue challenge events, we’re helping to fund their Support Service, and teach people about the benefits of the outdoors to support good mental health in the process. Learn more.