MEC will match funds raised by MEC members through The Big Wild Challenge before October 1st, dollar for dollar, to a maximum of $250,000. We are also offering:

prizes for Registrants

• All Big Wild Challenge registrants will be entered into a draw to win an MEC $100 gift card.

Participants who successfully complete a Big Wild Challenge by October 15th will be ALSO entered to win one of the following great prizes from MEC.

prizes for Fundraisers

• All Big Wild Challengers (individuals or teams) who raise at least $100 for The Big Wild will be entered into a draw to win one of three MEC $250 gift card per trip member (max of $750 gift card value per team).
• The Big Wild Challenge (individual or team) that raises the most money for The Big Wild will receive an MEC $500 gift card per trip member (max of $1,500 gift card value per team)
• The Big Wild Challenge (individual or team) that has the highest number of supporters will receive an MEC $500 gift card per trip member (max of $1,500 gift card value per team).

prizes for Web content contributors:

• One trip in each Challenge category (Epic, Adventure, Family Affair) will be selected as The Big Wild Challenge of the Year.
• To select the winner, The Big Wild Challenge and related content (stories, images, video) posted on thebigwild.org will be reviewed and evaluated against the following contest criteria:
  • The Big Wild Challenge trip is ambitious and inspiring – your story makes people want to get out there and challenge themselves to pursue outdoor adventure and protect Canada’s wilderness.
  • The content you’ve posted on bigwild.org evokes a strong personal or cultural connection to the experience of Canadian wild places.
  • Content posted is creative and unique
  • Your approach to your trips shows an awareness, appreciation and respect for the environment and a responsible approach to recreation.
• Your Challenge has made a significant contribution to the cause, e.g. through raising funds and/or reaching out to others with the conservation message.
• The Big Wild Challenge Epic of the Year will be awarded at the Banff Mountain Film Festival in early November and featured in MEC catalogue. Winners will receive tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, including accommodation/travel vouchers to help you get there (subject to some limitations). In addition, the winner (individuals or teams) will receive an MEC $250 gift card per trip member (max of $1,000 gift card value per team)
• The Big Wild Challenge Family Affair of the Year will receive a family gear pack (including a tent, stove and up to 4 sleeping bags) and an MEC $500 gift card.
• The Big Wild Challenge TBD-Named of the Year will receive a package of gear related to the activity pursued through their challenge – climbing gear, paddling gear, camping gear etc, plus a MEC $250 gift card per trip member (max of $1,000 gift card value per team).
• The runner-up (individuals or teams) in each category will receive a MEC $150 gift card per trip member (max of $750 gift card value per team)