At VF, we bring our values home
At VF, we actively support initiatives in the local communities around the world where our associates live and work. Our commitment to making a difference is best exhibited by the wide array of projects in which our associates participate. Here are just some of those projects; please check back regularly for more examples:
Nautica: Oceana, Inc.
For 2009, the Nautica® brand has embarked on a new cause marketing platform with Oceana, a science-based advocacy group dedicated to protecting and restoring the world's oceans. As part of this initiative, all proceeds from the sale of Nautica® apparel at the brand's annual South Beach and Malibu Triathlons will be donated to Oceana. Nautica has also launched a special "Tides of Change" Web site, which highlights Oceana's work and encourages visitors to participate in ocean conservation efforts by starting or joining a "wave of change."
Lee: National Denim Day
Since 1996, Lee® Jeans has invited organizations nationwide to participate in Lee National Denim Day® by donning their denim and making a $5 donation to the fight against breast cancer. Together, participants have raised more than $80 million to support critical and innovative medical research. Lee encourages everyone to participate in Lee National Denim Day on October 1, 2010 and to learn more at www.denimday.com.
Eagle Creek: Holiday Food Drive
Launched in 1988, Eagle Creek's annual food drive has grown to generate the largest donation of food and money that San Diego's North County Food Bank receives each year. Through silent auctions, special events and setting up food donation bins at local organizations, the brand has encouraged consumers and community members to join its fundraising efforts. In 2008, the brand raised its record donation of $20,000, enough to provide 80,000 pounds of food to those in need.
VF Imagewear: Martha O'Bryan Center and All Children's Hospital
VF Imagewear's Nashville office annually supports the Martha O'Bryan Center, a Nashville-based community outreach organization that promotes self-reliance through education and employment. During the past five years, associates and partners have raised more than $402,000 to help expand the Center's youth programs, including summer camps, field trips and college visits for high school students. Since 1994, Imagewear's Tampa location has supported the All Children's Hospital Telethon, a member of the Children's Miracle Network. Over the past 15 years, Imagewear has donated more than $700,000 to support All Children's Hospital as it continues to grow and provide care for children and teens throughout southwest and central Florida.
Wrangler: Tough Enough to Wear Pink
Together with leaders in the western and rodeo industry, the Wrangler® brand hosts a series of "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" Nights at rodeo events across the United States and Canada, including the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Since its inception, the Wrangler TETWPTM campaign has raised more than $5 million for breast cancer research, much of which stays right in the local community. The grassroots movement has inspired other sports communities to build their own TETWP campaigns, spreading a message of hope and support that reaches beyond the rodeo arena to competitors, families and fans across North America.
John Varvatos: Stuart House Benefit
Over the past seven years, the annual John Varvatos® Stuart House Benefit has raised more than $1.8 million to support the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. The event features outdoor music concerts from artists such as Jackson Brown, Chris Cornell, Macy Gray, Cheap Trick and ZZ Top with all of the proceeds benefiting Stuart House, the RTC's innovative facility serving the special needs of children who are victims of sexual abuse.
JanSport: Big City Mountaineers
The JanSport® brand proudly partners with Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a non-profit organization that provides urban teens with challenging and unique wilderness experiences led by qualified adult volunteer guides and mentors. JanSport associates volunteer at one of BCM's week-long boys and girls summer trips. JanSport's sponsorship includes donations of packs, overnight duffels and awards. Additionally, the brand encourages associates to take part in "Summit for Someone", a series of benefit mountain climbing expeditions established through the BCM summer outdoor youth mentoring program.
Reef: The Reef Redemption Committee
Over half of Reef® associates in Carlsbad, California, have volunteered to be a part of the Reef Redemption Committee, an initiative that evaluates Reef's day-to-day business activities and finds ways to reduce energy and material usage and give back to the community. As part of the initiative, members of the committee also regularly participate in lagoon and beach clean-ups as well as volunteer outreach programs.
VF Corporation & VF Jeanswear: Harvest for Teachers
Associates at VF's World Headquarters in Greensboro, N.C. annually support local schools through their "Harvest for Teachers" campaign, which raises money for school supplies and other educational materials. The concept was developed by a VF associate and was later expanded to other businesses throughout the Piedmont Triad area. Over the past three years, VF and its associates at World Headquarters have contributed more than $62,000 to Guilford County, N.C. schools. Associates at VF Jeanswear, also headquartered in Greensboro, annually support a successful "Harvest for Teachers" campaign as well.
