Charity Works: Uniqlo’s ‘Peace for All’ Initiative Selects Plan International Canada as Nonprofit Partner + More News
A monthly roundup of footwear brands and retailers that are participating in charitable causes. Share your news with us at web@footwearnews.com.
Dec. 28, 2022: Plan International Canada has announced that it has been selected as a nonprofit partner for the Uniqlo “Peace for All” initiative. With the partnership, the organization, which is focused on advancing children’s rights and equality for girls, said it will match customer donations up to 5,000 Canadian dollars (roughly $3,676 at the current conversion rate) from Dec. 30, through Jan. 13, 2023. The donation-matching campaign, the organization said in a statement, will raise funds for its “Youth Leaders in Canada” Gift of Hope that “unites youth of all backgrounds to take a stand as the next generation of global leaders.” Customers can donate to Plan International Canada at the checkout in all Uniqlo stores in Canada and online. Also, there will be an in-store activation that includes a Game for Girls’ Equality pop-up installation presented by Femme Gaming at the brand’s Toronto Eaton Centre store, located at 220 Yonge St. in Toronto. Plan International Canada said the installation will take place Dec. 30, 2022 from 10 a.m. ET to 3 p.m. ET.
Dec. 23, 2022: DTLR announced it collected more than 30,000 toys for the past few weeks across all of its stores for its annual “Soleful Time of the Year” toy drive. The toys, according to DTLR, will be donated to more than 150 nonprofits, schools and community centers. DTRL said hundreds of local organizations that could help distribute toys to local communities were identified by stores.
Dec. 21, 2022: Rack Room Shoes donated 1,300 pairs of shoes to Houston-area children at a recent Shoes for Kids event. Over the years, Rack Room Shoes has donated more than 30,000 pairs of shoes to Houston families through the annual program. This latest event was held Dec. 15 at Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugar Land, Texas, and was hosted by Navigation Area Business Association. During the Shoes for Kids event, local volunteers and representatives from the Navigation Area Business Association distributed shoes to hundreds of families. Each child received professional sizing and a new pair of athletic shoes from Rack Room Shoes.
Dec. 20, 2022: Academy Sports + Outdoors announced it has donated over $250,000 to its local communities this holiday season. Academy activated more than 50 holiday shopping events across its footprint to give back to thousands and surprise hundreds of shoppers through its annual “Traveling Santa” initiative at each of its 268 stores throughout December. Through its annual “Traveling Santa” initiative, Academy surprises customers doing their holiday shopping by helping pay for their holiday gifts. The company’s charitable events include in-store shopping sprees, bike donations and other giveback initiatives in 50 communities across Academy’s footprint. The events focused on giving back to first responders and children by donating to local chapters of the National Police Athletic League, HBCU partners, Boys & Girls Clubs, first responder organizations, and additional non-profit organizations.
Dec. 14, 2022: Kohl’s will donate $5 million to more than 150 nonprofits across the country in support of family health and wellness. Via its A Community with Heart program, Kohl’s employees can nominate local nonprofits that are eligible for grants of between $5,000 and $65,000. The Kohl’s Cares merchandise program, which donates net profits from certain sales to charitable organizations, is funding the grants. “Giving back is at the heart of who Kohl’s is as a company, and throughout the year we bring this to life through charitable grants, associate volunteering and more,” said Christie Raymond, Kohl’s chief marketing officer.
Dec. 12, 2022: Christmas came early last Friday for nearly 350 Park Avenue Elementary students when Nashville-based Genesco Inc. brought its “Cold Feet, Warm Shoes” signature community shoe fitting to the school and spread a little holiday cheer. As part of the event, more than 225 employee volunteers set up a mock shoe store and fit students with new shoes, socks and hats. During the shoe fitting, the Nashville students were able to meet and walk the red carpet with Tennessee Titans cheerleaders and the Titans team mascot, T-Rac. Students also received a healthy snack. In addition to the fitting, Genesco donated an extra 100 pairs of shoes to the school’s resource closet. After a two-year pandemic pause, Genesco employees eagerly prepared for this year’s signature event with hundreds of employees volunteering in roles ranging from product planning, stockroom coordination, logistics, and day of “boots on the ground” support. Employees volunteer from all areas of the company from senior management to divisional teams including its Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Johnston & Murphy and Genesco Licensed Brands divisions.
Dec. 8, 2022: Koolaburra by Ugg is stepping into the holiday season by giving back. The sister brand to Ugg has partnered with Soles4Souls to provide new shoes to children in need. Until Dec. 31, for every pair of women’s Koola Short boots sold on its website, Koolaburra will donate $10 to the organization — up to a maximum guaranteed donation of $40,000. The funds raised will directly benefit Soles4Souls’ 4EveryKid program, which provides children with new athletic shoes. “This holiday season, we’re excited to help bring awarness to Soles4Soul’s mission of bringing shoes to families in need,” said Anne Spangenberg, president of Fashion Lifestyle Group at Deckers Brands, in a statement. “Koolaburra® is made with family in mind, and we’re honored that our support will directly benefit Soles4Souls’s 4EveryKid program which provides new shoes to children across the U.S. who are without shelter.”
Dec. 8, 2022: The Athlete’s Foot joined forces with Team Roc, Roc Nation’s philanthropic and social justice division, to support and raise awareness about food insecurity during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Throughout the month of November, donors, family and community members visited select The Athlete’s Foot stores in Chicago, Raleigh-Durham, New Orleans, and Atlanta to drop-off donations and to meet hometown talent Ambré, Skyy Clark, Dain Dainja, Dixson, and Reuben Vincent. The Athlete’s Foot and Team Roc kicked off the campaign by providing 200,000 meals to support Feeding America. By the last event, an additional 54,000 meals were donated to local food banks.
Dec. 5, 2022: Renowned shoe designer Alexandre Birman teamed up Istituto Marangoni’s Miami campus on a mentorship program for students. Over the course of a year, the students received guidance from Birman and a deeper understanding of the design, development, construction, and manufacturing of footwear. Six students participated in the program and had their designs produced at the brand’s factory in Brazil. On Dec. 2, 2022, six pairs of shoes, designed by the students, were unveiled at a special program at the school. During the event, a video presenting the development and production of each shoe was shown to the students and guests. Birman passionately spoke about the decision-making process for each project, solutions, and adaptations for the footwear market. He also provided valuable guidance to each individual student. “The future of fashion and footwear is with these highly talented students. It’s an honor to be working with them,” said Birman, founder of the eponymous brand and CEO of Arezzo&Co Group. “Hosting the finale of the mentorship program during Art Basel Miami highlights how art, culture, and fashion are essential to new ideas.”
Nov. 30, 2022: Snipes has launched a new initiative, dubbed We All Eat, which the retailer said is aimed at tackling the problem of food deserts throughout the United States. For the initiative, Snipes said it will team up with local organizations to “provide capital support, operational manpower and innovation solutions to address the lack of healthy food options in communities throughout the country.” Snipes said it has partnered with Dion’s Chicago Dream and CookUnity as part of We All Eat to provide fresh produce and nutritious meals to those in need. With Dion’s Chicago Dream, Snipes said it will combat food insecurity in 24 Chicago neighborhoods with a goal of feeding 10,000 residents each week. The first iteration of the partnership, Snipes explained, will run every week for three months and a week’s worth of produce will be provided to households every week. As far as CookUnity, Snipes said the partnership will have the two providing nutritious, chef-inspired meals created by Alta Calidad, Alta Calidad Taqueria and Otra Vez owner Ahktar Nawab meals to people in need around the U.S. This partnership will run for three months in this first round, Snipes said, and will see 600 meals per week delivered to residents in Newark, N.J., Atlanta and Brooklyn, N.Y. To bolster the effort, the two have partnered with a trio of civic organizations: C.H.O.I.C.E.S. in Atlanta, The Apostle’s House in Newark and YWCA in Brooklyn.
Nov. 29, 2022: BOBS from Skechers, the philanthropic collection from The Comfort Technology Company, and national nonprofit, Petco Love, announced an initiative supporting the hardworking employees at animal welfare organizations nationwide who put their best foot forward for pets in need. The long-time partners are celebrating the holiday season by gifting 1,000 pairs of BOBS footwear to shelter employees from Petco Love’s extensive network to acknowledge their part in stepping up to help pets find their forever homes. The 15 recipient organizations include dedicated sheltering staff who have gone the extra mile this year to support shelter animals, including three organizations in Southwest Florida who have saved many pet lives following the devastation of Hurricane Ian.
Nov. 29, 2022: With Giving Tuesday here, Hoka announced that it will be donating $30,000 to Achilles International, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those people with disabilities through athletic activities and social connections. Hoka revealed it had selected Achilles International as its new nonprofit partner in June. Also, the running footwear brand stated it will release its latest “Humans of Hoka” film starring Francesco Magisano, who works with the nonprofit. The video, Hoka said, “chronicles his personal story and how the Achilles and movement plays a pivotal role in his life.”
Nov. 29, 2022: Delivering Good has received a $100,000 grant from the Aerie Real Foundation this Giving Tuesday. According to the organization, the grant will enable Delivering Good to distribute more than $1 million of merchandise donated by retailers and manufacturers through its nationwide network of community partners. What’s more, American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Inc.’s slow-fashion brand, Unsubscribed, will also donate 25% of Giving Tuesday sales to Delivering Good. Since 2019, AEO, its brands and customers have donated more than $1.1 million to Delivering Good, in addition to merchandise to support homeless and underprivileged youth. The latest grant from the Aerie Real Foundation builds on AEO’s long history of supporting the organization’s mission and follows Aerie’s recent donation of more than 150 cartons (13 pallets) of new merchandise to the nonprofit.
Nov. 22, 2022: Famous Footwear, Crocs and the Ticket to Dream Foundation have teamed up to donate 2,323 pairs of Crocs shoes and 2,295 Crocs socks for foster youth in 10 states. “Ticket to Dream is thrilled to be working with Famous Footwear and Crocs to help fulfill the holiday wishes of more than 2300 children in foster care,” said Gina Davis, CEO of Ticket to Dream Foundation. “Crocs are definitely on the top of many holiday gifts lists this year.”
Nov. 11, 2022: JCPenney announced on Thursday that it has made a commitment through its Communities Foundation to donate $500,000 to Feeding America by 2025 to help address food insecurity in communities across the U.S. The retailer’s donation will support child hunger initiatives like the Summer Food Program, School Pantry Program and after-school food programs, JCPenney said in a statement. JCPenney will initiate the partnership with a $50,000 gift to Feeding America, which will be the exclusive nonprofit partner for the JCP Live Holiday Spectacular on Dec. 1, a Facebook Live hosted by the Backstreet Boys. “From the recent hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Florida to the financial strains caused by inflation, this year has reminded us that when times are tough, the power of community can be transformational,” said Marc Rosen, JCPenney CEO said. “Helping our neighbors is core to our founding principle, the Golden Rule, and we are honored to join forces with Feeding America to support millions of families experiencing food insecurity.”
Nov. 10, 2022: The Athlete’s Foot is partnering with the Adidas School for Experiential Education in Design, also known as S.E.E.D., for the Soles of Hope event in New Orleans on Nov. 20. It will take place from 5 p.m. CT to 9 p.m. CT at The Athlete’s Foot store at 600 Canal Street. The event will benefit the people living in Hope House NOLA, which is a co-living program developed by The Ladies of Hope Ministries that supports women transitioning to life after prison. It was created, The Athlete’s Foot said, with human services professionals and women and girls who are currently or formerly incarcerated to address core needs. Also, Hope House NOLA includes live-in support in a homelike setting with light-filled bedrooms, a large gathering area and a communal kitchen. Speakers confirmed, who The Athlete’s Foot said will focus on design and leadership, include Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson, the S.E.E.D. at Adidas director of design education and growth and global creative direction; S.E.E.D. senior manager of design education Liz Connelly; and The Ladies of Hope Ministries founder and CEO Dr. Topeka K. Sam. After the discussion, The retailer said Thornhill-Goldson, Connelly, and S.E.E.D. designers Chandrika Carr and Daziah Green will lead a shoe customization workshop and The Athlete’s Foot New Orleans franchise partner Moe Jabbar will discuss opportunities for employment at local stores. What’s more, The Athlete’s Foot will present discount cards for the women and children in attendance to shop that day at the Canal Street store, and a coupon card for 20% off future purchases for the women currently living in Hope House NOLA will be provided for their stay.
Nov. 2, 2022: To celebrate the launch of Kurt Geiger’s London Christmas campaign, the label invited several prominent figures in society, spanning fashion and music to descend into Covent Garden. The Campaign marks the brand’s global goodwill commitment, and is named ‘The Season of Kindness’ as an ode to their new charity – The Kindness Foundation – which launched earlier this year. The charity is dedicated to giving young people opportunities, support and the resources needed to enter the creative industry. This year, Kurt Geiger is tripling its standard donation for purchases made on World Kindness Day (Nov. 13), Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29) and on Christmas Day all in the name of its kindness mission. The foundation will also be partnering with London charity Cocoon to improve the quality of life for care leavers by providing financial assistance and practical support.
Nov. 1, 2022: The Athlete’s Foot has teamed up with Team Roc, the philanthropic arm of Roc Nation, to help provide 200,00 meals to people in need and educate about food insecurity via Feeding America. TAF will host in-store food donation drop-offs between Nov. 1 and 24 in certain TAF stores in Chicago, Raleigh-Durham, New Orleans and Atlanta with the help of some local talent. “The Athlete’s Foot is dedicated to helping the communities we serve,” Matthew Lafone, president, and GM of Americas,” said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Team Roc to raise funds for Feeding America during the holiday season.”
Nov. 1, 2022: Bearpaw has teamed up with United Nations refugee agency USA for UNHCR to donate 120,000 pairs of new winter boots to aid forcibly displaced people in Ukraine. The gift represents the largest donation of winter boots to UNHCR’s Winterization Ukraine Emergency Response. This donation is expected to cover 20% to 25% of the population’s identified needs. With the assistance of established UNHCR partners in Ukraine, the winter boots will be distributed to families in five regions across the country. “It’s amazing to know these boots will directly benefit Ukrainian families in need during this challenging winter,” Tom Romeo, founder and CEO of Bearpaw, said in a statement. “Sacramento has one of the highest concentrations of Ukrainian immigrants in the country and as a Sacramento-based company, we are proud to support our community of friends, family and neighbors.”
Oct. 31, 2022: Macy’s will launch a multi-year partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) to serve young people through the power of mentorship, creating a path for future success and impact that lasts a lifetime. This holiday season, Macy’s customers will have the opportunity to help fuel these life-changing mentoring experiences by donating online at macys.com, or rounding up purchases in-store (up to $.99) from Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 24. Funds raised through Macy’s partnership will support the innovation of BBBSA’s mentoring model, to help reach and connect more young people with mentors and meaningful mentoring experiences. This December select Macy’s stores will host customized events for Littles and Bigs in their communities. Locations will offer holiday events to help local Big Brothers Big Sisters communities kick off the holiday season. To launch the new partnership with BBBSA, Macy’s will debut a formal celebration of mentors within the organization by offering financial bonuses, internal recognition, and exposure to senior leadership through Macy’s Best Mentor & Mentee.
Oct. 27, 2022: Academy Sports + Outdoors is celebrating National First Responders Day on Oct. 28 by contributing more than $50,000 to 20 first responder organizations and local chapters of National Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc. This is the fourth straight year Academy has celebrated National First Responder Day by giving back to its communities. Additionally, now through Nov. 13, Academy is offering first responders, active-duty military, and veterans a 10% discount on their entire purchase both in-store and online. What’s more, kids in select local chapters of National Police Athletic/Activities Leagues will participate in shopping sprees at Academy stores where they will be able to shop for sports equipment, safety gear, apparel, footwear and more. The retailer is also donating to a variety of local first responder groups including the 300 Club of Atlanta, Dothan Fire Department and the Panama City Police Department, among others. The donations and shopping sprees will help the organizations purchase sports and outdoor equipment to supply initiatives and events within their programs.
Oct. 25, 2022: Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle have unveiled their third limited-edition collaboration boot. The Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle Cap-Toe Batch III boot is thoughtfully designed and brings together bourbon and handmade boots in harmony while celebrating American craftsmanship. One hundred percent of net proceeds from the special-edition boot will be donated to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and the National FFA Organization, ultimately supporting the next generation of skilled trades and agricultural science workers.
Oct. 25, 2022: Dominic Ciambrone, aka “The Shoe Surgeon,” has teamed up with the National Football League (NFL) on two key initiatives. The first initiative will be a monthly series of SRGN Academy clinics in partnership with Big Brother Big Sisters of America. Each SRGN Academy Workshop will teach fifteen Littles and their Bigs from local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies about creativity and customization, as they transform a blank cleat canvas into works of art with NFL Clubs and players. These workshops will take place in Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles and New York. For the second part of the partnership, Ciambrone will creative direct a special My Cause My Cleats activation, where he will hand select eight local sneaker customizers and pair them with NFL players in their market. Designers will create one-of-one cleats for each player, creatively displaying the non-profit organization of their choosing. With social content reveals that debut the works of art, the custom cleats will be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds from NFL Auction going to the players’ designated charities via NFL Foundation.
Oct. 25. 2022: Following the devastation from Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico, Dallas-Fort Worth-based retailer JCPenney announced it is donating up to 55,000 units of merchandise to Puerto Ricans in need through United Way de Puerto Rico. This week, six JCPenney stores in Puerto Rico will distribute up to these units of clothing, children’s items and home goods, straight from the sales floor. Freight trucks will load donations from three JCPenney stores in Puerto Rico tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 26 with three additional store pick-ups having already occurred on Monday, Oct. 24.
Oct. 17, 2022: Rack Room Shoes announced that it raised more than $1 million during its 2022 fundraising campaign for Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit that provides new athletic sneakers to school children. During the back-to-school event, Rack Room invited customers to give to the cause through in-store and online contributions, resulting in donations of $1,006,978. That was combined with a $300,000 corporate gift and additional 2021 holiday fundraising, pushing the total over $1 million. The retailer noted that an important aspect of the annual campaign is ensuring 100% of the money raised stays in the local community. Each store is matched with school liaisons to coordinate purchasing shoes for students most in need.
Oct. 13, 2022: Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation raised $1.8 million for mental health initiatives as part of its aim to make mental health a priority across communities by increasing awareness and education, improving access to care and promoting tools and skills that build positive mental health. At a special cocktail at L’Avenue at Saks on Tuesday evening, pop culture icon Dionne Warwick wowed the crowd with three of her top hits. Since the foundation’s inception in 2017, Saks Fifth Avenue and the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation have donated more than $5.8 million for U.S. mental health initiatives, and reached over 6.6 million individuals through programs that promote positive mental health. This year, the foundation launched a $250,000 fund that will support grassroots, community-based organizations whose local efforts are critical in offering support to the health and wellbeing of those they serve.
Oct. 11, 2022: Famous Footwear continues to help foster youth. Since 2020, the company has raised $8.2 million for the Ticket to Dream Foundation, including $1.1 million this back-to-school season. This year, more than 20,000 foster started the school year with the supplies, which was made possible by customer donations made in-store, in the Famous Footwear app and online at famousfootwear.com, the retailer said. Items included nearly 16,000 backpacks, over 300 new laptops and over 2,400 tech accessories, 600 pairs of Converse shoes, along with tutoring assistance for over 200 foster youth and fall extracurricular access for 500 foster youth. In addition, Famous Footwear hosted over 250 children and teens in-store across the country for shopping sprees. Each foster youth received a brand-new pair of shoes, socks, adidas backpack and school supplies.
Oct. 5, 2022: Shoe Carnival announced a pledge on Wednesday of $100,000 in support of the American Red Cross hurricane relief effort. Through a combination of customer donations and corporate giving, the support will directly benefit the work the American Red Cross is doing to help those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Ian. “The destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Ian is heartbreaking,” said Mark Worden, Shoe Carnival’s president and CEO, in a statement. “We are thankful that our team members are safe, and we stand in support of our Florida communities as we aid the Red Cross to help families in need.” Josett Valdez, CEO of American Red Cross South Florida Region, added: “In the face of disasters, it’s the generosity of partners like Shoe Carnival that ensures the Red Cross can mobilize comfort and care to people in their darkest hour. Thank you to Shoe Carnival for providing support to our communities devastated by Hurricane Ian. It will allow our critical services to help alleviate human suffering following this historic disaster.”
Sept. 29, 2022: Aaron Judge is on pace to set a new American League record for home runs in one MLB season. But that isn’t the only exciting news for the New York Yankee. On Nov. 18, his All Rise Foundation is set to host its “All-Star Evening” gala, to support its mission to inspire youth and children to achieve academic excellence and live a healthy lifestyle. Among the sponsors of the charity gala are New York-based manufacturer United Legwear & Apparel Co. and the menswear brand Tall Order. In addition, Tall Order collaborated with the All Rise Foundation on a special-edition two-pack of extra-cushioned ankle socks in Judge’s signature white and navy. The packs are available for $30 at TallOrder.com, with $10 from every pack sold benefiting the All Rise Foundation.
Aug. 22, 2022: Old Navy has expanded its Project We series – a collection of graphic tees designed by diverse artists – in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge. The Project WE x Fifteen Percent Pledge collection marks the first product collaboration for the Pledge, supporting diverse artists as they break into the retail industry on a national level. In celebration of the initiative, Old Navy is donating $500,000 to the non-profit to support the rise of Black creative entrepreneurs. Through the Project We x Fifteen Percent Pledge collection, Old Navy said it will provide a platform for artists to grow their businesses and expand their audience, a focus for the Pledge’s Business Equity Community. “I know firsthand how artists and designers from marginalized groups have been historically excluded from opportunities to scale their businesses,” said Aurora James, founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge. “This project gives artists a chance to increase their visibility as business owners and social impact leaders. The partnership will also support the Pledge’s efforts to expand access and opportunity for Black creatives, and take us another step closer to building a more equitable retail industry.”
Aug. 17, 2022: Hari Mari has announced its first international Flop Drop in Guatemala. Each year, Hari Mari participates in multiple Flop Drops, allowing the brand the ability to give away hundreds of pairs of flip flops to those in need. Typically, Hari Mari visits kids undergoing treatment at partner hospitals to surprise them with flip flops; however, for this year’s Flop Drop, Hari Mari founders, Lila and Jeremy Stewart, wanted to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the brand by traveling back to Guatemala, where the couple was married and give pairs away to Guatemalans in need. Partnering with Serve Hope International, the Stewarts had the honor of visiting families and distributing hundreds of sandals to the Guatemalan village of San Andres, Ixtapa. “Jeremy and I got married in Antigua, Guatemala so to be able to go back, nearly fifteen years later with our two kids, parents, and employees for what was an incredible day giving out Hari Mari’s, is something I’ll never forget,” Lila Stewart said in a statement. “We also had our daughter do the voice over for this video, which makes it all the more special for us. We hope to make this a long-lasting tradition.”
Aug. 11, 2022: Nordstrom is teaming up with Nike and Shoes That Fit to donate 40,000 shoes for kids in need this back-to-school season. From now through Oct. 15, Nordstrom is aiming to raise $1 million for this year’s giving campaign. Those interested in participating can do so in three ways – visit any U.S. Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Nordstrom Local store to purchase a $10 Shoes That Fit giving card; add a $1 or $5 donation at check out at Nordstrom.com or NordstromRack.com; or make an online, tax-deductible donation at Shoesthatfit.org/Nordstrom. Now in its 12th year, Nordstrom and its customers have provided more than 300,000 pairs of brand-new, properly fitting athletic shoes to kids in the local communities it serves since the program launched in 2010. “Helping to provide for the basic needs of children and families is core to who we are at Nordstrom,” Jamie Nordstrom, chief stores officer at Nordstrom, said in a statement. “We’re excited to team up with Shoes That Fit and Nike to help kids start the school year feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.”
Aug. 11, 2022: This summer, Forever 21 is teaming up with Art Bridges the Gap and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to create and paint a new series of murals. Starting with a mural at Sunset & Highland in Hollywood, which was completed last week, the collaboration will engage local Boys & Girls Clubs, extending to Korea Town, Venice and finishing with South L.A. in September. “What makes these murals so special is that they are being designed and painted by kids and teens from local Boys & Girls Clubs. This is part of our commitment to giving our city’s youth a voice through immersive art projects,” said Georgia van Cuylenburg, executive director of Art Bridges the Gap. Each mural will feature a QR code which will unlock a unique Forever L.A. page with information about the art, the activation partners, highlights from the painting events, and more details about Forever 21’s forward looking plans. Winnie Park, CEO of Forever 21, added: “We are so excited to be a part of the art scene in our hometown and highlight that there’s a little L.A. in all of us.”
Aug. 5, 2022: PF Flyers is joining forces with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, for the first philanthropic partnership for the brand. To kick things off, PF Flyers is donating $25,000 to the organization to send more than 25 members to Celtics Camp this summer. This gift will be used for camp registration, clothing, and gear, and any other supplies members may need for their camp experience. The brand is also outfitting every member attending camp with a new pair of PF Flyers. “I knew from the moment I purchased PF Flyers that I wanted the brand to have a bigger impact on the Boston community than it ever had. I’ve always been passionate about giving back to kids and families, especially in my own backyard, and our newest partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is the perfect way to further our goal of inspiring people to dream bigger,” said PF Flyers executive chairwoman and owner Kassia Davis. In addition to the new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Davis remains active with the New Balance charitable foundation and the West End House Boys and Girls Club. Acquired from New Balance by Kassia Davis in July 2021, PF Flyers officially relaunched in December 2021.
Aug. 3, 2022: Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation is sending its Sports Matter Giving Truck to Chicago on Aug. 4, to gift 10,000 youth athletes with sports equipment and host over 700 kids for Sports Matter Day. The retailer will be joined by basketball legend Scottie Pippen and WNBA stars Kahleah Copper and Allie Quigley, who will help coach, mentor and play with kids at the event. In partnership with Good Sports, the Dick’s Foundation identified 32 youth sports organizations in the Chicago area to receive equipment kits that include water bottles, apparel and sports-specific training gear. In addition to hosting the Sports Matter Day, the foundation also is continuing its partnership with Donors Choose, by contributing $500,000 to double donations to every team sports project at Equity Focus Schools, supporting racial equity in school sports, starting Aug. 4.
July 25, 2022: Burlington Stores is once again partnering with AdoptAClassroom.org to support teachers and students within their store communities across the country. Now through Aug. 29, Burlington shoppers can donate to benefit the non-profit by rounding up their purchase at checkout at the off-price retailer’s more than 866 store locations nationwide. Burlington said it hopes to achieve $10 million raised in support of teachers and their students. “We continue to see the growing need for support of local teachers and students nationwide. Burlington is steadfast in its commitment to supporting teachers as they continue to navigate challenging times,” Michael O’Sullivan, CEO of Burlington Stores, said in a statement. “In working with our trusted partner AdoptAClassroom.org, we look forward to providing the funds needed for students to learn and reach their full potential this school year.”
July 19, 2022: Kohl’s is committing more than $2 million to eight nonprofit hometown partners in Milwaukee. This renewal includes five hometown partners that help advance BIPOC communities, making progress against the company’s commitment to give $20 million in support of diverse communities by 2025. With these commitments, Kohl’s will continue its partnerships with Acts Housing, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Employ Milwaukee, Greater Milwaukee Urban League, Milwaukee Art Museum, Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin, Safe & Sound, and Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Kohl’s is also a supporter of our hometown partners through its associate volunteering efforts. Through the Kohl’s Volunteer Program, when associates volunteer their time to hometown partners, Kohl’s will donate $50 for each hour served to the benefitting nonprofit, amplifying the impact of their service. Throughout Kohl’s history, the company has given more than $144 million to Milwaukee nonprofits.
July 19, 2022: Skechers is bringing its animal lifesaving movement to the UK, teaming up with pet charity Woodgreen. Through sales of the brand’s playfully fun footwear and apparel, Skechers will give funds that will save and support thousands of Woodgreen pets and their people throughout the UK. For every sale of specially marked Bobs from Skechers in the UK, Skechers will donate 25p to Woodgreen. This is expected to raise vital funds enabling Woodgreen to provide safe shelter, specialist care and a brighter future for thousands of dogs, cats and small pets—as well as help owners in need with services such as free advice from the charity’s pet experts, events, workshops, and outreach support in local communities. The new partnership also includes promoting pet adoptions and raising funds in Skechers stores. Since 2015, Skechers has donated over $8 million to save and support over 1.5 million animals through sales of Bobs from Skechers footwear, apparel, and accessories. In the United Kingdom, the collection is available at Skechers.co.uk, Skechers stores and key retailers.
July 14, 2022: California-based footwear brand Blueview has unveiled a new colorway of its sustainable sneaker that will benefit the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Calif. The Blueview Pacific shoe, which is biodegradable and made out of plant-based materials, is now available in a blue “Denim” colorway. The brand said that 5% of the purchase proceeds from that style will go to the aquarium and its mission to inspire conservation of the ocean. The Blueview Pacific unisex sneaker is offered in sizes 5 to 14.5 and retails for $135 at Blueviewfootwear.com.
June 23, 2022: Champs Sports has donated $30,000 to Voice in Sport, a New York-based organization that aims to create a safe space for girls and women in sport. The donation will support Voice in Sports’ Title IX initiatives, including sponsoring its girls’ trips to Capitol Hill for their planned march today for the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Voice in Sport will also be presenting their new advocacy bill at Capitol Hill, where Champs Sports will be their main sponsor. Champs has also signed their pledge backing the Title IX work.
June 22, 2022: Darn Tough has launched its Knit to Give Collection, which is a program that will make a new sock style available every quarter as an online exclusive with all profits going to the Vermont Foodbank. Knit to Give, according to Darn Tough, will feature styles created with overstock yarn, which the company said is excess material from the knitting mills in Vermont, specifically Northfield and Waterbury. What’s more, Darn Tough said it will continue its support of the Vermont Foodbank on Giving Tuesday each November in addition to these quarterly releases.
June 16, 2022: Dick’s Sporting Goods has partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to host free baseball and softball camps across the country for underrepresented athletes. At least one current African-American professional baseball player will attend each camp and teach athletes tips for game play and practice. “The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation is thrilled to bring this series of camps to young athletes,” said Aimee Watters, executive director of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation.
June 9, 2022: Delivering Good, a nonprofit that provides people impacted by poverty and tragedy with new merchandise donated by retailers and manufacturers, raised more than $400,000 at its 15th annual Women of Inspiration Luncheon at the Pierre Hotel on Wednesday. Some 285 people attended the event, which honored Natasha Fishman, chief communications officer and EVP of marketing at Authentic Brands Group; Donna Noce Colaco, executive chairwoman and CEO of Matilda Jane; Jordana Guimaraes, cofounder of Fashinnovation and author of “It Can Be You,” and Jen Sidary, founder and CEO of Angelforfashion.com. While the luncheon was the main event, Delivering Good was also breaking some big news of its own, with the naming of Matthew J. Fasciano as president and CEO of the organization, effective July 5. He succeeds interim CEO Gary F. Simons, former Delivering Good board member, and before that, Lisa Gurwitch, who resigned in January after seven years to join the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee as chief advancement officer.
May 23, 2022: PVH Corp., the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, said on Monday that it has committed to investing $10 million over the next four years in global nonprofit organizations that “increase awareness of and access to opportunities in the fashion industry for individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities.” The investment will be made through the company’s philanthropic arm, The PVH Foundation. PVH said it will work with these nonprofits to support programming for high school students and training for individuals with “non-traditional” backgrounds seeking new career opportunities in the fashion industry. Some of the organizations PVH will partner with include Creatives Want Change, Misa Hylton Fashion Academy, National Urban League, and New Circles. “With driving fashion forward for good at the core of everything we do, our new partnerships will help PVH make a greater global impact in our communities” said Stefan Larsson, CEO of PVH Corp. “As a company, we are committed to making a difference with inclusion and diversity, and we look forward to elevating the next generation of innovators around the world.”
May 12, 2022: Skechers has reached a new milestone for its philanthropic Bobs from Skechers collection—donating over $8 million to date to save and help over 1.5 million animals in need in the United States and Canada. The milestone reflects the company’s growing investment in animal welfare across North America, which in June will include a register round-up at Skechers stores throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as planned adoption events with national non-profit organization Petco Love and animal welfare partners in California, Texas, Nebraska, and Vancouver. For every Bobs from Skechers item purchased in the United States and Canada, a donation is made to Petco Love to help support shelter pets and its 4,000 animal welfare partners across North America.
May 10, 2022: Keen Utility, the work boot division of Keen Inc., has pledged $1 million in product and financial support over the next five years to non-profit organizations in the U.S. and Canada dedicated to the empowerment and education of women seeking a career in the skilled trades. The donation will be made through the footwear company’s She Builds Grant Program, which aims to champion the next generation of tradeswomen. Keen Utility’s 2022 She Builds grants will go to Black Women Build-Baltimore, Girl’s Garage, Vermont Works for Women, Oregon Tradeswomen, and British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Trades Discovery for Women. Grants will help provide hundreds of thousands of hours in tradeskills education, expansion of workplace inclusivity training, as well as women’s specific safety footwear. “Women are essential to the future of the skilled trades,” said Robin Skillings, VP/GM at Keen Utility. “Supporting organizations that are deeply dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of women in the trades is critical. Through the She Builds Grant Program, we are solidifying our commitment to their future, and the growth of the trades, one step at a time.”
May 9, 2022: On July 30, in Capri, Italy, LuisaViaRoma will host a charity event alongside Unicef in support of Syrian refugees. LuisaViaRoma, who has been a partner of Unicef for the past five years and hosts a biannual charity gala, decided to document what happens behind the scenes in refugee camps and how the funds raised at the galas are used. During the evening on July 30, Jennifer Lopez will perform an exclusive concert, and throughout the evening there will be a screening of the documentary filmed in Jordan, and Unicef will also be reporting live from Ukraine.
May 3, 2022: Saks is honoring Mental Health Awareness Month with a multifaceted campaign to spotlight the importance of mental wellbeing and raise funds for the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation. Campaign components include positive affirmation decals available for purchase, exclusive digital content, a partnership with holistic psychologist and intergenerational trauma expert Dr. Mariel Buqué, a window installation dedicated to mental health awareness at the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship in New York City, and Saks employee events and experiences. “Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year, yet the need for mental health resources and the stigma tied to seeking help remains,” said Marc Metrick, CEO of Saks and Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation board member. “With this campaign, we are proud to spotlight the importance of mental health and raise crucial funds for our nonprofit partners to help support the emotional and mental wellbeing of the communities they serve.” Since the Foundation’s founding in 2017, Saks Fifth Avenue and the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation have donated more than $4.9 million to U.S. mental health initiatives and reached over 6.6 million individuals with messages that combat the shame and stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
April 19, 2022: Foot Locker Foundation announced on Tuesday that it has awarded $560,000 worth of scholarships to a group of 20 high school seniors across the U.S. as well as 30 Foot Locker employees. The group of high school seniors, known as the 2021-2022 class of “Foot Locker Scholar Athletes,” will each receive a $20,000 scholarship for their school of choice. Unlike other scholarships based on athletic or academic performance, the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program recognizes student-athletes who go above and beyond in their communities, offering financial support as they pursue higher education while continuing to be community leaders and changemakers. In addition to investing in the future of scholar-athletes, since 2011 the Foundation has awarded more than $806,000 in scholarships to team members through its Foot Locker Associate Scholarship program. This year, 30 Foot Locker team members committed to advancing their education were awarded scholarships through this program.
April 13, 2022: The VF Foundation, the philanthropic arm of VF Corporation has released its second impact report on Wednesday, which details how the Foundation positively impacted more than three million people in 73 countries during the period between March 29, 2020, to April 3, 2021. During this time, The VF Foundation provided grants to support 91 community partners around the world and distributed more than $8 million to support efforts centered on its four priorities, which include increasing equitable outdoor access and conservation; educating and inspiring inclusive leaders in apparel and footwear; empowering the freedom of self-expression and creativity; and disaster relief and recovery. In addition to the direct support provided by The VF Foundation, VF’s associates and family of brands also contributed monetary and product donations throughout the year to support disaster relief and recovery efforts. Together, The VF Foundation and VF Corporation, its associates and family of brands, donated more than $24 million during this same period.
April 12, 2022: Keen is moving forward with its “Making Waves” partnership with Outdoor Afro and the YMCA, which the outdoor footwear brand said is aimed at tackling the Black youth drowning crisis. The next steps in the effort — which Keen said aims to impact 100,000 Black youth and their caregivers throughout the country over the next 10 years — will include a limited-edition Outdoor Afro x Keen sandal collection release. The sandal range, which is available now via Keenfootwear.com, will help raise funds for scholarships for swimming lessons, dubbed Swimmerships. The Outdoor Afro x Keen sandal collection includes artwork from Outdoor Afro volunteer leader Leandra Taylor, and features popular silhouettes including the Newport H2 for men, the Astoria West for women, and the Newport H2 and Stingrays for kids. Outdoor Afro created “Making Waves” in 2019 with Keen, and the YMCA first supported a pilot program in New York, Atlanta, Charlotte and Phoenix in 2021. Keen said this expanded partnership will help Outdoor Afro grow in key markets nationwide in 2022. What’s more, Keen said kids and their caregivers can sign up for Swimmerships on the Outdoor Afro beginning this summer, and each Swimmership includes a full swim course of anywhere from eight to 10 lessons at local YMCA’s and select community pools. Also, people can sponsor a swimmer on the Outdoor Afro website, with $10 equalling a lesson, $100 equalling a Swimmership and $1,000 equalling a full class.
April 11, 2022: Soles4Souls is hosting its second annual Race4EveryKid fundraiser throughout the month of May. The event, which aims to fight youth homelessness, is a virtual run, walk or bike race and is open to all ages. Soles4Souls launched its ambitious 4EveryKid initiative in October 2020 with a mission to provide a pair of brand-new athletic shoes to every K-12 student experiencing homelessness. Every $20 raised through the Race4EveryKid fundraiser can pay for a new pair of athletic shoes for a homeless child, allowing them to attend school, try out for a sports team or stay active. Participants can register online here to compete either as an individual or as a team. Supporters can also donate through the race page.
March 8, 2022: The Skechers Foundation announced today that it has donated a record-breaking $2.5 million to children with special needs and education through funds raised at its latest Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. The annual event has raised close to $18 million to date for children. Supported by presenting sponsor Kinecta Federal Credit Union, and more than 100 companies, the donations were distributed by Skechers executives to Foundation donation recipients at Skechers’ retail store in Manhattan Beach, Calif., on March 3. The Foundation presented $713,000 to the non-profit organization Friendship Foundation for children with special needs and their families, as well as more than $1.47 million in checks to six education foundations.
Feb. 15, 2022: DTLR will engage in several community-focused initiatives starting Feb. 17 and ending Feb. 19 for NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. On Feb. 17, the retailer — along with kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio — will unveil plans for a $100,000 playground including new equipment and more at the Broadway Club, which will be funded by DTLR. The company will also partner with local nonprofit Random Acts of Kindness to distribute 1,500 hot meals throughout the weekend, as well as thousands of clothing items to shelters and the homeless community in downtown Cleveland. Lastly, DTLR will host a basketball clinic at John Adams High School on Feb. 19 for 75 local kids that will be run by NBA champion Dahntay Jones.
Feb. 8, 2022: Under Armour is expanding its commitment to Morgan State University in Baltimore, one of Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In addition to being the official outfitter of the university, Under Armour is launching a career program for 50 students at the school to be able to learn from top UA talent. Through this program, students will have the chance to participate in a case study competition for the chance to win one of five $10,000 scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year. UA will also offer MSU coaches access to its virtual coach-training space and will reserve two internship slots in its UA Rookie program for MSU students.
Jan. 27, 2022: As part of its ongoing ESG and Belonging initiatives, Neiman Marcus Group has announced its partnership with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). To kick off the news, NMG has donated $250,000 to HRC leadership to benefit HRC and Dallas nonprofits supporting the LGBTQ+ community. NMG was also reviewed by the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index — a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees — and was named one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.”
Jan. 26, 2022: Vegan footwear brand Grounded People has kicked off its LACES (Learn to Achieve and Create Everlasting Sustainability) initiative, which raises both awareness and funds for various worthy causes. With every purchase of the brand’s vegan unisex footwear, shoppers can select the color of laces that correspond to a specific partner organization allowing consumers to proudly show wearable statements of support to those causes. In turn, Grounded People contributes the cost of the laces directly to the chosen charities. Organizations currently involved in the LACES program include the Kidsafe Foundation, which provides a safe haven for children and youth in underserved communities; Red Rover, which helps animals in crisis through emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education; Trees for the Future aimed at ending hunger and poverty by training farmers to regenerate their land; and One Tree Planted, which supports reforestation around the world.
Jan. 13, 2022: Foot Locker, Inc. and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) have come together in a joint effort to provide grant funding for nonprofit organizations focused on empowering young people in Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities. The joint Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program is a $3 million effort that draws on Foot Locker’s previously announced $200 million pledge towards its Leading Education and Economic Development (LEED) initiative and programs through LISC. This first round of $1.26 million in funding will go to 16 organizations, with another round planned for the spring.
Jan. 13, 2022: After ten years of partnership, Vans is expanding its work with Stoked, a community-focused nonprofit that aims to grow BIPOC participation and representation in action sport. According to Stoked, Vans is now sponsoring skate activations at Stoked’s NYC and Chicago sites, supporting the nonprofit’s after-school leadership development programs and weekend skateboarding/snowboarding/surfing programs, and encouraging its employees to serve as Stoked mentors through a “Career Pipeline” program that shows youth some of the career possibilities in the action sports world. Almost 30 Vans employees have already signed on to the “Career Pipeline” program, and Vans athletes have lent their support to Stoked as well — pro snowboarder Patrick Moore is a lead Stoked ambassador who’s recruited other Vans Snow team members like Jill Perkins, Bryan Iguchi, and Hana Beaman, which helped the nonprofit raise an additional $100,000 through its yearly fundraising campaign in 2021.
Jan. 7, 2022: Kohl’s has donated $100,000 to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. The donation is one part of a larger $8 million investment from Kohl’s to more than 150 non-profit organizations across the country, which awards different organizations grants between $10,000 and $100,000. “Receiving this grant is the fruit of a strong collaborative effort of several members of our Food Bank team working together to advance our mission and engage companies like Kohl’s in our hunger relief efforts,” said Victor A. Garcia, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
Jan. 7, 2022: After a series of tornadoes ripped through communities in Kentucky and Tennessee in early December, Rack Room Shoes has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to help with recovery efforts in the affected communities. “The impact of the devastation will require long-term solutions, so I’m deeply humbled that we can assist the American Red Cross in providing aid to local children and families in need,” said Mark Lardie, president and CEO of Rack Room Shoes, which operates dozens of locations in Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. The company confirmed that all its associates and managers in those stores are safe.
Big Initiatives in 2021
Dec. 30, 2021: LuisaViaRoma hosted the fifth edition of its charity event benefiting UNICEF on Wednesday, Dec. 29. For the Italian retailer’s very first winter edition, the event was held in the Eden Rock of St Barths. The night featured a cocktail reception, a gala dinner, a live auction of exclusive items, artwork and experiences conducted by Michael Macaulay of Sotheby’s, and a special performance by Grammy-winning artist Dua Lipa. International celebrities, philanthropists and notable guests attended the night and helped raise more than 4 million euros to support UNICEF’s work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe.
Dec. 28, 2021: Dick’s Sporting Goods is partnering with the local Pueblo County’s Sheriff’s Office in Colorado to help provide sports balls to community youth. Via the new program, dubbed “PCSO on the Ball,” deputies will hand out soccer balls, footballs and basketballs provided by Dick’s when they encounter young people during patrol. “Sports and recreation are great ways for the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office to connect with our youth,” said Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor in a statement. “So often a kid’s first interaction with law enforcement comes during crisis or a negative situation. This program gives our deputies the opportunity to interact with kids in a positive, healthy way. We hope this type of interaction will lead to ongoing, positive relationships long into the future.”
