6 Local And Global Brands That Give Back To The Community

These brands, both local and international, support larger causes and have launched initiatives to help make the world a better place.

From huge, global luxury labels to our very own homegrown brands, those in this list are dedicated to contributing to charities and good causes.

As these brands grow, they choose to lift up underserved communities along with them. Through donations, partnerships with nonprofits, and working directly with the communities in need, they continue to improve the lives of many.

READ ALSO: Fostering Heritage: 6 Must-Have Filipino Brands At Maarte 2024

Loving Local

Empowering Artists

Kathâ Pilipinas provides a platform for dozens of local artists and creatives, showcasing their products from clothes and accessories to furniture and other home decor. Each product is skillfully made by hand and has been curated by the brand.

“Kathâ Pilipinas was founded with a mission to uplift and empower the creative community in multifaceted ways,” founder Daianne Moreno-Mempin tells Lifestyle Asia.

Yakan Headbands from Katha Pilipinas
Yakan headbands | Image via Instagram @kathapilipinas

“From developing and showcasing artists’ and artisans’ work to offering mentorship, learning, and development programs, we are dedicated to fostering growth.”

Giving back is an integral part of the brand’s identity. They organize several social action programs such as meal distributions, donation drives, sponsored scholars, and disaster relief efforts.

“Empowering artist-entrepreneurs is essential, as they are vital to nation-building. Art and creativity not only reflect the beauty of our culture but are increasingly recognized for their significant impact on economic growth,” Moreno-Mempin shares.

Katha Pilipinas workshop
Pagsibol workshop poster | Image courtesy of Kathâ Pilipinas

Their latest retail collection pays tribute to Vicente Manansala’s Philam AIA Series, housed at the National Museum. “More than just a retail brand, our collections celebrate the unique, sustainable, and thoughtfully crafted products of our Creative Tribe,” the founder adds.

Meanwhile, in a collaboration with Metrobank Foundation, Kathâ Pilipinas will be holding a workshop titled Pagsibol: Grow and Thrive as an Artist-Entrepreneur. The event is free and will take place on October 12, 2024 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, MK Tan Centre, BGC, Taguig City.

For more information on the workshop, visit www.kathapilipinas.com and @kathapilipinas on all social platforms.

Preserving Culture

ANTHILL stands for an Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Indigenous/Ingenious Little Livelihood seekers.

Zinia dress from ANTHILL (brands that give back to the community)
Zinia dress | Image via Instagram @anthillfabric

The brand offers a variety of apparel, accessories, home decor, and more, all handmade with Filipino craftsmanship. ANTHILL exists to keep the tradition of Philippine weaves alive and in turn, making it a staple in fashion.

Through their Community Enterprise Development Program, they help rural, indigenous, and urban communities become self-reliant so they can expand to bigger markets and establish their own brands.

Hablon ni Lauriana weaver
Weaver from Hablon ni Lauriana | Image via Instagram @anthillfabric

Through showcasing traditional weaves, the brand helps reclaim and promote Filipino culture, inspiring pride with every piece.

Save the Earth

Championing sustainable design practices has been at the forefront of Hindy Weber’s brand. Her return to fashion came after years of reconnecting with nature, which is why producing eco-conscious garments is so important for her.

Poppy Anorak Shirtdress from Hindy Weber Every.day
Poppy Anorak Shirtdress | Image via Instagram @hindyweber.every.day

Hindy Weber Every.day offers ready-to-wear clothing made using organic and natural materials, plant and water safe dyes, and ethical manufacturing. They also have bath and beauty products consisting of natural, raw, and organic ingredients.

Dewy Blush Stick from Hindy Weber Every.day
Dewy Blush Stick | Image via Instagram @hindyweber.every.day

By producing limited collections, the brand prioritizes quality over quantity, following the revolutionary slow-fashion movement. This limits the amount of clothes that end up in our landfills and builds a more sustainable fashion industry.

Global Brands

For the Children

Since 2016, Louis Vuitton has been partnered up with UNICEF to support children in need. Its latest Silver Lockit designs were created in collaboration with house ambassador Millie Bobby Brown.

Millie Bobby Brown wearing Silver Lockit bracelets
Millie Bobby Brown wearing Silver Lockit bracelets | Image via Instagram @louisvuitton

The collection consists of bracelets, pendants, and earrings featuring a miniature padlock engraved with the word “LEARN.” According to the brand, Brown chose the meaningful word to “shine a light on a path to freedom for underprivileged children.”

“I am very proud to be a part of this project and to contribute through the design of this new Silver Lockit collection, which also supports an organization that’s incredibly dear to my heart. It’s my wish to ensure all children are provided access to an education,” the actress stated.

Feed the World

Every October since 2013, Michael Kors has been working with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to bring food and a better future to hungry children around the world.

Through the Watch Hunger Stop campaign, the brand has delivered 30 million school meals to children in need as of last year.

Last year’s collection featured a shirt, watch, and tote bag designed by Maxime Plescia-Buchi of the creative agency Sang Bleu. The unifying graphic was a globe in the shape of a heart.

“Women and children make up the majority of people who are going hungry, and one of the things that the school meals program does is allow young women to have an education,” said actress Kate Hudson, who has supported the initiative for years.

Women Forward

French fashion house Chloé first partnered with UNICEF in 2019 with the Girls Forward initiative, which they just renewed in 2023 for another three years. Past collections have included silk scarves, bracelets, and purses with 100% of the sales going to UNICEF.

According to UNICEF, there are twice as many girls as there are boys who are not in school. Chloé’s program with the nonprofit develops girls’ life skills as well as knowledge in digital technologies and social entrepreneurship.

“To date, this partnership has enabled the training of more than 95,000 girls and Chloé has raised more than €2.3 million and will continue to collect funds to support UNICEF gender equality programs,” the brand stated.

In France, Rêv’Elles is a Chloé Women Forward Partner. The NGO empowers women from low income neighborhoods through workshops, mentoring programs, and other events. Chloé has supported them through training in public speaking and the launching of a safe space for girls and women during and after their programs.

Banner image via Instagram @anthillfabric.

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