On our little WA/OR/NV/CA road trip we made a short stop in Ranco Cucamonga, CA for some fuel & Pinkberry (mmmm….) as we were walking back to the car a store caught my eye… I’ve fine-tuned my spidey- senses to pick up on random things I’ve never seen before (ie: stuff that could be used in a shoot). What I had found though was WeAreProud Clothing Co. First off- nicest staff EVER (and I think he even said he wasn’t being paid to be there, just watching the store cause he believed in the cause. Amen). Second- amazing shirts, tees & sweatshirts at every turn. Third- each item you buy gives back. The shirt I bought supports the Waterproof Blanket Project…
The WeAreProud Waterproof Blanket Project is an in house charity created in early 2008. Through the process of direct donation, every WAP product that supports this cause pays for a fifth of the manufacturing cost to produce one blanket. These blankets are then given to individuals without shelter. Each waterproof blanket is made of a highly durable 100% fully waterproof nylon barrier that can act as an umbrella during harsh weather conditions while the flip side is made of a comfortable 100% polyester fleece. Another unique feature is the zipper opening on the side that allows for the blanket to be insulated for further protection against the elements. The intention behind donating such an expensive yet purposeful item is to help those without shelter with something tremendously useful, a high quality survival tool.
Not too shabby, eh?
And their mission statement…
WeAreProud® is a small company with big plans.
Our goal is simple: to change the way other companies do business by leading through example.
At its heart,WeAreProud® is a movement.
Unlike other businesses that focus only on a profit margin, WeAreProud® builds everything on the ideology of giving back to the world we live in.
This is accomplished through a term we like to call “direct donation” which means, that instead of giving a percentage to charity, your donation pays for an actual “whole” product that is then given to someone who’s in need of your support.
We take this a step further by making it our trademark that every product we sell donates directly and you the customer pay for only the product being donated and we take care of the rest.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of WeAreProud® is the idea that as it grows, so does its influence, which is the proof that there is a company, that’s business, is to make the world a better place.
By making charity a statement, we are all capable of sending the message to others that there is a population that’s conscientious and coming together to make a change.
WeAreProud®, WAP clothing®, “Clothing With a Purpose.”®
Long story short… I was so impressed with what this company is doing & the route they are taking that I just wanted to share/spread the word/ask you to jump on the bandwagon (you won’t hear that out of my mouth too often so go for it!!!).
Michelle O: Okay...I'm going to check this out next time I go down to Rancho to shop! This is the town the mall is at that we hit up. I'm off to find an address...this sounds awesome, thanks for sharing! (09.22.2010 03:08pm)
Michelle O: Okay, I just looked it up and it's at Victoria Gardens! That is where we do our "mall shopping"! And I've never seen it before...so I'll seek it out next time we are there. Very cool concept. (09.22.2010 03:10pm)
Kara Layfield: Love their message...and the picts!! Off to check them out in detail. Thanks so much for sharing! (09.23.2010 08:04pm)
zalaine: Ok Girl, you got my attention! Gonna check it out! We all need somewhere to invest ourselves it. Besides these stunning photos ( everything you had and what was left after that too is my favorite post ever!), life has to be lived out. Thanks my friend... (09.23.2010 08:21pm)
Breanna: amazing! (10.18.2010 06:54pm)