Paddlesports Business....

ON THE WATER AGAIN

Confluence Launches Forward-Thinking Program

The “pay it forward” concept that’s driven many charitable acts will now be applied to paddlesports by one of the industry’s leading companies. Confluence Watersports is offering a unique discount program designed to support local organizations, introduce more people to paddling, and save boats from landing in landfills or worse, left un-used.

The “Paddle it Forward” program is simple: Until August 31, paddlers can donate a used kayak or canoe to any 501(c)(3) outdoor or environmental educational organization and then bring the proof of donation to a participating Confluence dealer. These dealers will give an immediate 10 percent discount on any new Confluence brand boat (including Wilderness Systems, Dagger, Perception, Wave Sport and Mad River canoe). A mail-in rebate to Confluence provides an additional manufacturer-sponsored 10 percent off the net purchase price.

“This program engages the whole paddling community in supporting local charities and schools that may otherwise be seeing a dip in donations right now,” says Confluence CEO Sue Rechner. “It offers us a unique opportunity to support the re-use of boats and directly influence the growth of the sport at the local level.”

Retailer and consumer response has been positive so far. “We felt like it was a great opportunity to support some local, educational programs, and a fantastic way to introduce new people to paddlesports,” says Ryan Raymond, manager of Boulder, Colorado’s Alpine Sports. “We like that most donations in our area are going to youth organizations.”

Confluence encourages consumers to visit local specialty retailers first for qualifying charity suggestions. Failing that, the company prepared a list of more than 100 appropriate charities nationwide such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Confluence also provided retailers with materials to promote the initiative in their stores and regions.

In other markets, recent programs connecting donations and discounts have created benefits for both specific charities and consumers on everything from $1 movie tickets (AMC Entertainment’s Summer Moviecamp to benefit Variety--The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute) and stylish threads (GAP Inc.‘s recent Give & Get coupons to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) to computer software bundles (MacHeist Apps). But the potential payoff to consumers, charities, dealers, and the environment is what sets Confluence’s program apart.