PORTLAND, Maine — In the spirit of collaboration and giving back, Portland Downtown partnered with twenty local retailers to raise funds for Portland Trails — a nonprofit land trust that transforms Greater Portland into a healthier community through trails, active transportation, conservation, and placemaking.

“Shop for a Cause has been one of our signature holiday events for many years,” said Casey Gilbert, executive director of Portland Downtown. “This year, our merchants decided to bring the spirit of giving to the summer season, and we were delighted to add Shop for a Cause to our line-up of Summer Kickoff Weekend events. From Walk the Working Waterfront to Shop for a Cause Day to the Old Port Festival, it was a wonderful weekend to shop, explore and celebrate.”

The first-ever summertime Shop for a Cause Day in Downtown Portland was held on June 11th. This unique shopping event, organized by Portland Downtown, encourages residents and visitors alike to buy local, give back and make a difference. Participating businesses donated a portion of their sales on June 11th to Portland Trails and collectively raised $3,500 — a donation that will help the organization maintain and improve the publicly accessible trail network, which includes more than 70 miles of public trails that are used for recreation and transportation.

“We were thrilled to be selected as the beneficiary for Shop for a Cause Day,” said Kara Wooldrik, executive director of Portland Trails. “The local business community is so supportive of efforts that make Portland a better place to live, work and play. They contribute funds, services and products and they volunteer to help work on the trails.”

Portland Downtown and Portland Trails wish to thank all Shop for a Cause Day donors including Bill’s Pizza of Portland, The Black Dog, Christmas Noel, Coffee By Design, Cool As A Moose, d. cole jewelers, Dean’s Sweets, Folia, Fore River Gallery, k colette, LeRoux Kitchen, Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine, Maine’s Pantry, Mexicali Blues, Nomads, OTTO, Portmanteau, The Sock Shack, Something’s Fishy and Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery Tasting Room and Shop.

Portland Downtown, a 501c4 nonprofit organization, is in the business of maintaining a clean and safe downtown while building and promoting a vibrant business, residential and tourism destination. For more information, visit portlandmaine.com.