While TOM’s Shoes “One for One” movement has made its global mark, many large companies have imprinted philanthropy on their business ethos with great success. Here are 8 major brands that do charity, and do it well.
CLOTHING & FASHION:
FEED
Lauren Bush, aka George Bush Junior’s niece has long been charity-minded. Her eco-friendly accessories, bags, and apparel line provides that malnourished kids get the nutrients they need as well as offers volunteer opportunities near you. Join her team’s mission to end world hunger at feedprojects.com.
Eileen Fisher
While known for its simplistic style, Eileen Fisher delves deeply into complex earth-conscious efforts. Fisher’s #THXVERYMUCH recycled clothing bank is keeping fabric waste out of landfills, which collects by the millions of tons. Sport fashions spun from spools of sustainable silk or eco-friendly denim. Read on at eileenfisherampersand.com.
Satya Jewelry
Satya is a yoga-inspired jewelry line with the greater good in mind. The brand is devoted to children’s charity organizations including BullyBust, Ashrams for Autism, Invisible Children, and Housing Works, all of which have touched the lives of thousands of youth and major issues that affect them today. Learn more at satyafoundation.org.
Lee
Since 1889, Lee’s iconic denims have graced store shelves, and the company has since kept charity at its forefront. Lee hosts the annual National Denim Day in partnership with the American Cancer Society and has raised over $89 million for breast cancer research and care. Show your support at denimday.com.
FOOD & DRINK:
People Water
The Bachelorette’s Jef “with one ‘F” Holm immortalized the brand, but their commitment to helping the global water crisis certainly deserves a rose. Water is our single most important element, yet more than 3,570,000 people die each year from water-related illness. People Water has given over 2,500,000 gallons of clean water to those in need by building wells, restoring water purification systems, and making safe drinking water its best interest. Get involved at peoplewater.com/drop-for-drop.
Hard Rock Café
Rock on, humanitarians-shopping at the Hard Rock will earn you do-gooder kudos. The company has exercised their motto “love all, serve all” since the 70s and continues its philanthropic efforts with the “Signature Series,” a line of t-shirts signed by your favorite stars. Visit hardrock.com/philanthropy for details.
Panera Bread’s Panera Cares
Panera’s notion of giving back is quite literally priceless. In an effort to alleviate food insecurity, the soup-and-salad haunt has set up community cafés with no pricing on the menu, rather, suggested pay with donation bins. Its risk-willing leader, CEO Ron Shaich, just may be onto something imaginative enough to be sustainable. Find out more at paneracares.org/locations.
The Food Network
The folks at the Food Network are no strangers to kind deeds – and you may find it unsurprising that most focus on food. 100% of the proceeds from TFN’s wildly popular New York Wine & Food Festival go to hunger relief charities and food banks in New York City. Get ticketing information at nycwineandfoodfestival.com.