Way back in 2020, when travel came to a near stand-stil, Lindsay, Manager of Visitor Services, started exploring ideas for the Preserve’s Little Gift Shop to help diversify our products and bring them a little closer to home. We wanted products that celebrated our community and are inspired by anc created in the Yukon, the North. I had a bit more time then to explore connections with Yukon artist and from that over the years we created hats, mugs, and necktubes, and stickers and t-shirts.

From this we started to connect with locals for the first time through our gift shop, previously, mostly non-local visitors were supporting the gift shop with purchases to commemorate their visit. We just didn’t have items in the gift shop that seemed to spark the interest of our local community. 

Over the years, I heard visitors and staff alike say we needed a sweater in the gift shop. After collaborating with Tedd Tucker for a YWP special design t-shirt, and the popularity of this, we knew we wanted to go back to this talent and get some help with some new design idea that would fit well on a sweater. 

We also knew there was a strong, well-loved local brand that dialed in the comfy minimalist hoodie style and also did other Northern collaborations with Air North and the Yukon Quest. So, you guessed it, we reached out to Yukon Built back in December of 2020 and started, what ended up being a long (but worthy) journey to this very perfect Northern collaboration sweater! 

Wild at heart – all the proceeds from the sweater sales will be going back into the Preserve, and directly support the Wildlife Rehabilitation program. The Preserve has been the place in the Yukon where injured and orphaned animal get a second chance at life. The support from our community, local and afar, has helped us give them the best possible veterinary care – and get that back on their feet or wings! Purchasing this sweater will also help us keep Yukon wild at heart! 

The Preserve has grey and sage colours for sale only at their Little Gift Shop. Yukon Built store in Whitehorse is selling grey and a sandy beige colour!  Yukon Built has also elected to take a portion of their sales from each sweater sale for wildlife rehabilitation at the the Preserve. 

Learn more about wildlife rehabilition at the Preserve! 

Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just hanging out, this mid-weight fleece hoodie is up for the task.

• Features: This classic hoodie features a special edition YUKON WILDLIFE PRESERVE print, a flat draw cord, and a double-layered fleece-lined hood

• Fit: Unisex sizing with regular fit

• Material: 60% cotton, 40% polyester ring-spun fleece

• Care: Due to the cotton content, this hoodie may shrink a little! Wash in cold water with like colours and air dry.

Sweater                          $75
(with each sweater sale proceeds go towards Wildlife Rehabilitation).