Capitalism for a Cause

There are many websites out there that are looking to raise money for one cause or another.  They ask you to donate, email, send cards...just help them out.  But, there is a new form of raising money that I really appreciate and support - Capitalism for a Cause.

There are for-profit companies that have started up for the premise of raising money.  Some of them partner with non-profit organizations.  Others have their own donations that they make, straight from the company.

We, as consumers, purchase products.  A portion of that money we spend goes directly to a 'cause'.  Sometimes, it's intentionally because we support what they are doing.  But, it may also be because we like what they're selling.

For example, the company WeWood makes wooden watches.  And, for each watch that is purchased, they plant a tree.  They also work with sustainability and all watches are created with no toxic or artificial material.

There is also Tom's shoes.  Great shoes, by the way!  But, for each pair purchased, they donate a pair of shoes to a child in need.

At FEED Projects, their goal is to feed the world.  They build their donations into the cost of the product that consumers purchase.  They fight hunger and malnutrition here in the United States and around the world.

But, perhaps one of my favorites is Sevenly.  Every week, for seven days, they choose a charity, design a t-shirt/tank top/hoodie and sell it.  Just for seven days.  For each item sold, they give $7.00 to that charity.  It is so simple.  To date, they have raised over half a million dollars for various charities and they have only been around for a year and a half.

We can sometime be surprised at what is available to purchase that will help to save the world.  No matter how small our individual efforts, when combined, they can make a huge impact.  And, how fun is a watch made out of wood???