• by Tanya Gazdik , September 16, 2009

 

General Mills' Cascadian Farm has announced a "click to give" initiative supporting the trails in New York State Parks.

The Minneapolis-based organic food producer will donate $1 for every supporter who visits www.parkvisitor.com/cascadianfarm and clicks to support trail preservation. Visitors to the site are invited to comment on why they like New York State trails at parks such as Letchworth, Green Lakes, Connetquot River Preserve, Minnewaska, Wellesley Island, Allegany and Thacher.

After clicking to give, participants are invited to print out a $1 Cascadian Farm coupon. They are also offered the option of making a private donation to the park system.

The program runs through Nov. 15. Cascadian Farm will donate up to a maximum of $25,000 with a guaranteed minimum donation of $15,000. There is a limit of two clicks per household or IP address.

New York State parks have seen an increase in visitors as people look for affordable vacation and recreation options. However, the parks have a $650 million backlog of projects needed to maintain and repair their facilities and infrastructure. At a time when state budgets fall short, funds from the private business sector can help bridge the gap.

Also as part of the promotion, Cascadian Farm granola bars and LÄRABAR fruit and nut bars will be passed out to thousands of park visitors upon entry and also at events within the parks.

The company is also sponsoring a new featured trails guide with 10 suggested hikes around the state and useful information such as difficulty, length of hike, elevation and seasonal suggestions. An electronic version of the guide can be found online at www.parkvisitor.com/cascadianfarm. In the guide, visitors will find coupons for Cascadian Farm and LÄRABAR foods.

"The folks at Cascadian Farm and LÄRABAR look for simple ways that we can make a difference, whether it's making wholesome convenient foods that are good for you or helping take care of the world we share," said Tim Goldsmid, marketing manager at Cascadian Farm, in a statement. "We're excited to be working with the parks to provide visitors helpful information and great-tasting snacks, while also raising money for trail preservation."

Participants must provide their email on the click-to-give form. After clicking, participants receive a thank-you email from Cascadian Farm and are informed that the company will be reaching out to them throughout the year with news, events and other special offers.