Shopping for a Cause

I think it's safe to assume that if you're reading this, you like to shop, whether it's for shoes, handbags or clothing. But why not support a great cause as you shop? Look for socially-conscious brands that not only provide great products, but also turn around and give the proceeds of those great products to organizations that really need the support. While you may not feel that purchasing one pair of shoes or a handbag will make a difference, understand that every dollar helps. No donation is insignificant and no cause too small. Here are some examples of some products whose proceeds support a well-deserving cause: No Sweat Fatima's Tsong Thong The entire No Swear footwear collection is vegan, cruelty-free, union-made and sweatshop-free. The Tsong Thong is a classic flip-flop made of sturdy, rubber based EVA with plastic straps and an original design by Fatima Duri (age 10). A portion of the profits (30%) goes to rebuilding schools in tsunami-devastated Aceh, Indonesia and to a scholarship fund for Fatima. The rest (after cost, shipping and duties) goes to building a brand that will stamp out child labor. Produced by SPSI-TSK workers in Jakarta, Indonesia. Also see designs by Niliwati, Siti, and Munarawah, all children who were orphaned by the terrible disaster. Infants' Timberland Field Crib Bootie An incredibly cute pair of baby booties that also support a very serious cause. Timberland will donate fifty cents to Share Our Strength, a nonprofit organization that is working to fight children's hunger, for every pair of crib boots sold. THE SAK Pink Ribbon Sparkle Flap Sparkly knits, rhinestones and metallic leather trim enhance cute bag that’s part of THE SAK's Annual Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser collection. Bag features a magnetic snap flap closure for easy access. Signature cheetah print lining features cell phone, multifunction and zippered pockets. The Pink Ribbon Hobo, another bag from the Breast Cancer Awareness collection, was featured in Self Magazine recently. THE SAK Boho Glitter Hobo Gleaming with color and sparkle, this trendy bohimian hobo features our exlusive sparkle knit and metallic leather straps, bottom, bottom risers and corners adorned with luminous embellishments and removable keychain. Nylon lining features cell phone, multifunction and back wall zippered pockets. As featured in Marie Claire, proceeds from the sale of this bag will go to the American Red Cross's Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.