The success of TOMS shoes has opened doors of opportunity for social entrepreneurs and companies that have a humanitarian focus.
We’ve found some of the most fashion-forward brands and chic accessory labels that are donating to causes in big ways.
Roma Boots, $42-84
For each pair of rain boots purchased, Roma will donate a pair of boots to a street child or orphan in Romania, or other impoverished children living in cold and wet climates.
OAK Backpacks, $69
OAK, short for Ordinary Acts of Kindness, was started by four Texans who wanted to make a difference. For each backpack sold, they will fill one backpack with school supplies to give to a child in need here in the U.S. or in Rwanda.
SerengeTEE, $24
With a “Wear the World” motto, SerengeTEE creates American-made t-shirts and tanks with a pocket featuring a fabric from a specific country. For each shirt sold, SerengeTEE donates 50 percent of the profits to a charity associated with the fabric you choose.
Jack’s Soaps, $13 for pack of 3
Washing hands is the simplest and most effective way to prevent the spread of disease, yet soap is not readily available in many parts of the world. For each bar of soap purchased, Jack’s funds the making of a bar of soap at local soapmaker shops in Haiti to help sustain local business and reduce their carbon footprint.
FashionABLE, $36
This scarf company focuses on creating sustainable business for women in Africa who have been exploited by the effects of poverty. Profits support rehabilitation for these women and job training to help the escape the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient.
LSTN Headphones, $45-95
These earbud and over-ear headphones feature reclaimed wood designs to provide optimal sound quality, eco-friendly production and the gift of hearing to children who are deaf or hearing impaired. Each headphone purchase funds hearing aids, medical treatment and disease prevention to a child in need.
SOLO Eyeware, $74
SOLO creates on-trend sunglasses made partially from bamboo to combine fashion with charity. You buy a pair of SOLOs and the company donates profits from every purchase to fund a pair of reading glasses and a portion of cataract surgery for two people in need.
