Year One of the Pole to Pole 2000 project has been made possible thanks to the generous support and commitment of forward-thinking corporations who desire to make the world a more liveable place as we enter the 21st century.

Lowe Alpine
Lowe Alpine's origin, some 30 plus years ago, was based on a love of the outdoors, in particular, wild places, and the revitalization of the human spirit experienced by touching those places - the mountains, the cliffs, the furthest reaches of the back country. While more of those far reaches are now accessible to more people, our love of the outdoors comes with a more serious tone that includes responsibility for protecting the outdoors. It is this vision that provides the compelling reason for supporting the Pole to Pole 2000 Expedition and adventure on the global stage. Lowe Alpine inspires the adventurous to experience, respect and protect the wild regions of the world. We inspire by providing innovative product (apparel and back-packs) that enhance the outdoor experience. We teach respect by adhering to the values and ethics of Leave No Trace and through the support of organizations that share these values and projects such as Pole to Pole 2000. We protect wild places by supporting the Conservation Alliance, and the Access Fund.

Lowepro
Lowepro is the world leader in designing and manufacturing camera bags and packs. Their ongoing quest for perfection has made them the most innovative camera bag design and manufacturing company in the world. As outdoor photographers, travelers and trekkers, they also have a deep respect for wildlife and its habitat and are as equally committed to conservation, the environment, natural ecosystems and old growth forests, among many other pressing issues. Some of the many educational institutions and organizations include The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Alliance and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

Nalge Nunc International
Nalge Nunc International has been in business since 1949, manufacturing plastic products for the laboratory, packaging, industrial and consumer markets. It all started in 1949 with a laboratory plastic pipette holder in a small garage in the suburbs. As time went on, scientists started using the smaller, more convenient bottles for hiking and camping. By the 1970s the unofficial use of Nalgene products had caught the attention of Marsh Hyman, then President of Nalge. He had a son in the Boy Scouts who were using Nalgene containers for powdered drinks, matches, shampoo, snacks and a range of camping supplies. Today Nalgene is recognized as a leader in the manufacture of high quality, durable storage containers. Nalge sponsors a number of organizations that have committed themselves to improving the environment, including the Appalachian Mountain Club, ORCA and The Access Fund.

The Hills Health Ranch Pat Corbett, President of The Hills Health Ranch states "We are extremely honoured to be selected as the official training centre for this historic expedition showcasing the human potential. With our existing health, fitness and wellness programs, and professional staff we will assist the Pole to Pole 2000 team to achieve human potential through extensive mind-body-fitness training." The Hills Health Ranch in the interior of British Columbia, Canada has been selected because of its ideal location for cross country ski training, the winter wilderness surroundings for teaching backcountry survival, and the professional training facilities and staff at this health resort.

Union 76 Stations & Circle K Convenience Stores
On behalf of its Union 76 stations and Circle K convenience stores, Tosco is proud to sponsor Pole to Pole 2000 and one of its team members, Jessica Casas. Circle K and 76 are official partners of 1-800-CLEAN-UP, dubbed by the California Environmental Protection Agency as Earth's 911, a USA hotline for community-specific environmental information. By viewing the Earth's 911 web site at www.1800CLEANUP.org or calling their toll-free phone number 1-800-CLEANUP, US residents can get information such as where to find local recycling facilities, how to handle hazardous waste and how to use more recycled materials. Tosco's support of Earth's 911 echoes and enhances a corporate commitment to environmental and community stewardship, which is evidenced through many efforts including: putting 1-800-CLEANUP on more than 33 million consumer motor oil containers each year; selling and promoting the use of their Firebird brand of re-refined motor oil; leading the industry in the move to reduce the use of MTBE (a gasoline additive associated with water pollution); and printing the 1-800-CLEANUP on more than 100 million Circle K shopping bags annually.