Gifts that Give Back 2014 – Part 1
CSR business values and conscious consumerism is a growing trend with more and more customers wanting their hard-earned dollars to also contribute to the greater good. We have previously written about many companies like TOMS Shoes, TOMS Marketplace, TARGET+TOMS, Warby Parker, BOBS by Skechers and Roma Boots that do just that through a “One for One” give-back model.
Each Friday in December leading up to Christmas, we will feature gift giving options that will allow you to combine spreading goodwill with shopping. Whether you’re looking for a secret Santa gift for a co-worker, a stocking stuffer or a little something special for a loved one, we’re sure one of these great gifts with a purpose will fit the bill.
Strummerville – The Joe Strummer Music Foundation is a registered charity set up by the friends and family of Joe Strummer in the year following his death to give “opportunities to aspiring musicians and support to projects around the world that create social mobility through music.” On a personal note, not a day goes by that I don’t think of Joe in some capacity but in December that is definitely amped up. It’s hard to detach the month from that horrible day in 2002 and feeling like everything was lost. I find myself listening to his music a little more, watching more videos of him, remembering the times I saw him with The Clash and The Pogues and (as always) missing him. Even as we approach the 12th anniversary of his death on December 22nd, Joe Strummer’s voice and passion continues to impact the lives of generations and through Strummerville, he is still influencing music as he should be.
You can make a donation to Strummerville or purchase one of the many products on offer like The Strummerville 2015 Calendar – the perfect gift for those (like me) who still carry Joe with them every day. I have purchased this calendar each year since its first release in December 2011 and they are amazingly well-made keepsakes in honour of the legend that will always be Joe Strummer.
Twice as Warm began with a simple goal: “To provide new winter clothing to people in need” and they embarked on this goal with the mission “to spread warmth to people and communities around the world”. Their goal for winter 2014 is to reach 10,000 donations by providing a new clothing item to a person in need for each item purchased: “Wear One, Give One”. Twice as Warm have some really cool high-quality scarves, hats (see image on right) and gloves for women and men and all are reasonably priced.
Everything Happy:
Everything Happy is all about bringing smiles and happiness to every child worldwide through its “one to love, one to give” philosophy. This incredible mission all stems from the brilliant mind of David Holdridge who at 7 years old was inspired by his sisters’ favorite treasures-blankies and stuffed animals. From there the first Happy Blankie was created and now these adorable items are spreading smiles and happiness to thousands of children in orphanages, hospitals and poverty-stricken communities across the globe. Everything Happy offer a full line of products for boys and girls including: baby bodysuits, adorable blankies, pals, bags and jewellery that will bring a smile to the face of 2 children for the price of one. Way to go David!
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRNNZpjUMhs[/youtube]
In July 2003, Insect Shield, introduced the first EPA-registered insect-repellent apparel. Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel technology provides effective, invisible and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) through 70 launderings. Half the world’s population is at risk for malaria and you can now help. If you buy one Insect Shield Blanket, they will give 2 blankets to children in need through their partnership with Medical Team International. Buy a #SuperHeroBlanket for the child on your list and protect 2 other children in the process like a true superhero. Insect Shield has clothing, accessories, nets and blankets to choose from.
Booomers International:
Booomers International are based in Ghana and they manufacture bamboo bicycles and accessories (such as bicycle stands and baskets) “to help improve transportation and youth employment, mitigate climate change issues as well as alleviate poverty, especially in rural communities.” Their “ultimate goal is to provide the poor in rural Ghana the means to gain economic freedom.” Check out Booomers International’s unique (and affordable) line of bikes and accessories for the rider on your list knowing that your purchase has both “economic and social benefits to customers around the world.”
American Light Works:
American Light Works design, manufacture and distribute US built solar powered flashlights using only the highest quality components available. They provide always ready lighting for “camping and recreational use or in protecting a woman in a refugee camp in Africa, permitting a child to read at darkness falls in other parts of the developing world or allowing a farmer to walk safely home after a day in the field” or “lighting a whole table if the power goes out.” Plus, the NimH AA battery gives over two years of daily use. American Light Works has a BOGO Light Program which gives customers the opportunity to buy one for themselves and give one to be sent to the developing world for distribution by one of their non-profit partners. Plus you will “receive a personalized “thank you” photo with your first name written on a chalk-board showing the transfer.”
Every year, severe acute malnutrition claims the lives of 2.6 million children but This Bar Saves Lives believe it’s preventable and aims to improve this serious, life-threatening condition currently afflicting 20 million children worldwide. Through their simple “we eat together” philosophy they will give a packet of life-saving food to a child in need for each bar purchased. Since June 2013, 335,278 Packets of Plumpy’Nut (can take a child from near death to certain survival with 3/day for 7 weeks) and Nutributter® (if diet lacking in essential calories, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals) has been donated since through partnerships with Edesia Global Nutrition Solutions, Save the Children and Ananse Village. This Bar Saves Lives gourmet bars are made with all natural, gluten free, non-GMO, fair trade ingredients so they are the perfect way to kick off those healthy new year resolutions too.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yrl6gsrq6Q[/youtube]
S2 aims to change the world one smile at a time as they seek to give one million toothbrushes to children in need. Founded with the hopes of “giving children their smile back”, Smile Squared offers “small products that make a big impact”. Millions of children around the world lack access to basic oral healthcare including a simple toothbrush but anytime you buy a S2 toothbrush, one is also sent to a child in need. Smile Squared‘s “buy one, give one” philosophy applies to both their colourful and bamboo (see image on right) toothbrushes.
We’ll resume next Friday with more “gifts that give back” ideas for this holiday season.
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