Tonic, a new online shopping destination that partners with non-profits working in the areas of the environment, education, poverty and social welfare, just launched a new line of tote bags featuring exclusive designs by British designer Luella Bartley. Proceeds from each design benefit a different charitable organization, and the designs are available on cotton canvas tote bags, which fold and zip up for compact storage and portability.
I particularly like the stag design, which provides one soccer ball to school children in Kenya with each purchase. Each soccer ball is made by Alive & Kicking UK to be durable and repairable so it can hold up in harsh climates, and each one carries a message about HIV/AIDS and malaria, which teachers can use to engage children about risks to their health. Their goal is to sell 2,500 tees in order to provide 2,500 soccer balls to these kids.
I also really like the Education tee, which is part of Tonic’s “Every T Counts” initiative. It features an exclusive design by American actor and designer Tara Subkoff, and is printed on a t-shirt made from 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. A purchase of this tee will provide safety, nutrition and education to kids who otherwise face a life on the street in India.
I really love what Tonic is doing. On average they donate 40% of the revenue of each sale directly to the related cause, and they work hard to make sure their products are created in a sustainable, fair trade manner. They try to use as much of their revenue for doing good as possible, so they don’t spend much on marketing. So if you’re a fan of Tonic like I am, tell your friends and help spread the word!
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Thanks for writing about this company. I created a company in memory of my 28 year old sister, Liz, who died from breast cancer. Uptown Liz (www.uptownliz.com) promotes products from companies whose proceeds go to charity. You can shop on this one-of-a-kind Web site by charitable cause or product category, knowing that every time you make a purchase you are making a difference. There are many great art, clothing, jewelry, house wares, beauty and eco-friendly products (just to name a few) that benefit charities all over the world.