Banana Republic partners Delivering Good to donate US$20m of new clothing to Americans in need
As a brand that believes in freedom, equality and a life with no boundaries for all – not just some, Banana Republic aims to continue empowering people through clothing. In response to the current crisis in America, Banana Republic Will Work for a Better Republic by donating more than US$20m/£15.8m of new clothing to those in need, including millions of unemployed Americans who need support getting back to work and getting back on their feet.
In partnership with Delivering Good – a nonprofit organisation that unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support Americans affected by poverty and tragedy – Banana Republic will donate clothing to a variety of partner organisations in states that have been most impacted, including Hour Working Women Programme in New York, Central City Neighborhood Partners in Los Angeles, Family Focus Englewood in Chicago, amongst others. This donation will help people as they build a brighter future.
“During this unique moment in history, it’s more necessary than ever to work together to support one another, especially those in need,” said Mark Breitbard, Head of Banana Republic and Gap Inc. speciality brands.
“As America faces historic unemployment rates, Banana Republic Will Work for a Better Republic, helping Americans get back to work by providing confidence through clothing they can wear for interviews and in different work environments, including working from home.”
“By supporting Delivering Good, Banana Republic is helping men and women across the US, including those facing poverty, homelessness, and job loss,” said Delivering Good President & CEO Lisa Gurwitch. “Amongst our network of more than 700 community partners, we will focus this donation on nonprofits with workforce training and re-entry programmes and markets that have been especially affected by the current crises. This donation will have such a positive impact on men, women and disadvantaged young adults.”
This donation is the latest in Banana Republic’s ongoing efforts to support its communities and be the change, together. Banana Republic believes we are stronger together and better together and that WE belong. The brand also believes in a world of equality and opportunity, for everyone. Banana Republic, along with Gap Inc. brands Athleta, Gap and Old Navy, have come together to donate US$250k/£198.6k to support the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and EmbraceRace to fight for equal rights.
The Gap Foundation also previously announced a US$1m/£794.7k donation to local, state, national and international non-profit organisations to support underserved families during the coronavirus crisis. Banana Republic and the Gap Inc. family of brands will continue to support Americans in need.
In addition, parent company Gap Inc. has leveraged its supply chain to connect hospital networks with millions of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers in response to COVID-19. Banana Republic’s first reusable face mask was sold in benefit to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund. This is just the beginning of how the brand Will Work for a Better Republic and is dedicated to doing more than selling clothes.
