Charity Works: Oofos Raises Money for Cancer Research, How Belk, Net-a-Porter and More Are Helping in the Fight Against COVID-19
July 31, 2020: Oofos founder Lou Panaccione, is participating in the Pan-Mass Challenge in support of former colleague Duncan Finigan, who lost her battle with breast cancer. The challenge is an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for charity, with 100% of every rider-raised dollar going to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. While the event has shifted to a virtual format this year, Panaccione will be embarking on an actual 100-mile ride across the South Shore of Massachusetts on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, with a stop at Nor’easter Surf Shop, where the first pair of Oofos shoes were sold.
July 30, 2020: Katy Perry Collections is celebrating Camp Firework with a new rainbow sneaker iteration. Inspired by the winning designs of three talented campers, 100% of the proceeds from the new Firework sneaker are set to go towards Camp Firework; the camp works to empower children from underserved communities by encouraging their creative capabilities and imagine through art.
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July 22, 2020: Dollar General has rolled out the Yellow Glasses Project, an initiative designed to shed a light on the need for literacy. At Dollar General’s stores across the country, customers can snag yellow sunglasses for $2 each, with 100% of proceeds to go toward the Dollar General Literacy Foundation in support of literacy and education programs.
July 15, 2020: Through its Helping Our Heroes Charity Day Sale, Belk has raised $550,000 for the First Responders Children’s Foundation. The donation will provide assistance to health-care and emergency personnel working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, funds will go toward providing personal protective equipment and temporary housing for first responders. “We wanted to show our appreciation to first responders, and our partnership with this organization during our Charity Sale is very special,” said Belk CEO Lisa Harper. “We’re proud to help support the heroes on the front lines who’ve risked so much to keep us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
July 14, 2020: Rowing Blazers is newly serving as the presenting sponsor for the Harlem River Challenge. The Challenge is an annual rowing race that takes place on the Harlem River and benefits Row New York, a rowing and academic program that aids underserved youth in New York. This year’s race takes place from July 17 to 19. Row New York’s Board of Directors a pledged $40,000 donation that can be earned through every meter participants row, run, erg or bike. Row New York will also donate 20% of the additional funds raised from the event to an organization-of-choice working to dismantle systemic racism, as selected by Row New York’s student-athletes.
July 13, 2020: Net-a-Porter has unveiled a special project aimed at supporting the Italian Red Cross, reported FN’s sister publication WWD. The luxury e-commerce platform selected a range of high-end brands — from Aquazzura and Gianvito Rossi to Golden Goose and Tods — to launch nearly a dozen limited-edition collections that include apparel, footwear, accessories and jewelry. It will then donate 20% of the sales of the exclusive capsules to the humanitarian aid organization, which backs the thousands of volunteers in the country who are battling the coronavirus pandemic on the front lines.
July 13, 2020: FitFlop is joining forces with United Kingdom-based charity Beauty Banks. Through the month of July, 10% of online sales from its Rally sneaker will be donated to support the charity’s commitment toward communities that are unable to afford personal care and hygiene essentials. The brand will also help the organization distribute necessities, such as soaps, razors and other products, to homeless shelters, women’s refuges, food banks and schools. “[FitFlop founder] Marcia Kilgore has always been hugely supportive and creative in her support of Beauty Banks, and the Rally trainers project is a positive and stylish way for people to help us get essential toiletries and hygiene products into the hands of those who desperately need them,” Beauty Bank co-founder Sali Hughes said in a statement. “Coronavirus has seen the needs of our partner charities spike, and we are committed to stepping up to increase our support during this unprecedented time.”
July 10, 2020: Dollar General has pledged $5 million — along with its charitable Dollar General Literacy Foundation — to support national and local organizations focused on education as well as racial and social justice initiatives. “Our core values, which include respecting the dignity and differences of others, are the cornerstones of our culture and operations,” CEO Todd Vasos, who is also a board member of the company’s foundation, said in a statement. “We continue to work toward a world that reflects our mission and values and remain committed to ensuring they are evident in all we do.”
July 7, 2020: Mango has raised 360,000 euros — or roughly $406,500 at current exchange — to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. So far, its contribution has been spent on the purchase and distribution of personal protective equipment and other essential medical supplies to 135 countries, as well as to support vulnerable parts of the world through preventative measures and the research of vaccines. In early May, the fast-fashion giant became the first Spanish retailer to collaborate with the WHO, committing to donate 1% of the turnover at its brick-and-mortar stores across 26 countries, including the United States. When the outbreak took hold in late May, Mango offered two million face masks to hospitals via the Spanish Ministry of Health, plus manufactured 13,000 surgical gowns for Spain-based health-care workers.
July 2, 2020: Dearfoams is continuing its celebration of everyday heroes with today’s launch of “Nominate a Hero” — a sweepstakes that invites consumers to nominate a hero of the choice on Dearfoams.com for the chance to surprise them with a free pair of slippers. Nominations, which run through July 15, can include anyone from health-care workers to military service members, parents, teachers, store clerks, and more. According to the company, 200 winning heroes will be selected at random. “We are so thrilled to continue our heroes’ campaign and commitment to our community by honoring and celebrating all of the heroes in our lives with the new limited-edition Hero Bear capsule collection,” said Tricia Bouras, president of Dearfoams. “We have been so inspired by the overwhelming response the campaign has received these past few months and want to continue honoring those individuals who continue to make a positive impact in our daily lives by giving them the gift of comfort.” The unisex slippers are part of limited-edition Hero Bear style available in a camo and leopard print that goes on sale to customers beginning July 8. It retails for $42.
July 1, 2020: Ben Sherman is introducing a collection of face masks for purchase online to aid health-care workers. For each pack of three face masks purchased, the company will donate a pack to health care workers and volunteer organizations doing essential COVID-19 work. The masks are available in six different patterns reminiscent of the brand’s signature button-down shirts, including a check, gingham, chambray and floral design. The non-medical-grade, machine-washable styles feature a top wire that conforms to the wearer’s nose for added protection. Each pack retails for $25 on bensherman.com.
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