Roger Fingas
Apple on Thursday announced a pair of initiatives themed around support for the U.S. national park system, above all a pledge to donate some of the proceeds of Apple Pay transactions to the National Park Foundation.
Between Aug. 24 and 31 the company will donate $1 to the Foundation for every purchase made using Apple Pay at an Apple store or the company's website, or else through the official Apple Store app. The money should help the NPF efforts such as historic preservation, habitat restoration, and teaching kids.
On Sept. 1, Apple Watch owners will be able to win a special Activity Challenge and Messages stickers by completing a walk, run, or wheelchair workout lasting 50 minutes or more. This is meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Redwood National Park, located in Apple's home state of California.
Apple said it's also planning to highlight apps useful for exploring national parks at the App Store, though it didn't say which ones.
The company periodically runs Watch challenges and Apple Pay donations for various causes. In March for example it offered a challenge for International Women's Day, and in February it marked Heart Month.
Stephen Silver
Christine McKee
Charles Martin
Amber Neely
2 Comments
As a frequent visitor to national parks, I'm glad to see Apple doing something like this. It's a shame seeing how badly our parks are deteriorating due to over crowding, lack of funds, and staff.
Great to see Apple doing this. The US National Park system is one of the true jewels of North America, and it is in serious trouble these days. Within or outside of this particular program, the NPF could really use your help.