At Occupy D.C.’s general assembly Monday night in McPherson Square, a woman named Tizzy represented the “comfort committee” by saying that Patagonia and REI were partnering with the movement to providesleeping bags for winter conditions.
“They are helping us winterize our campground,” she said.
But both companies deny donating sleeping bags to the movement.
Megan Marble, marketing manager of Patagonia, told the Examiner that company employees had responded to a note the Ruckus Society sent to Patagonia requesting camping pads for the movement. “We don’t even make camping pads,” Marble said.
Megan Behrbaum, spokesperson for REI public affairs, also denied the claim that REI would be providing sleeping bags to Occupy D.C. She spoke to the outreach teams that represent the D.C. and Baltimore areas, who confirmed that no donations had been made to the movement.
REI has a donation program, but it does not apply to Occupy D.C., said Behrbaum. “REI’s donations program supports non-profits dedicated to conserving outdoor places and promoting volunteerism,” she told the Examiner.
