Gilden Activewear Announces Its Top 10 ̕I Support…’ Program Charities

The “I Support…” program launched by Christchurch, Barbados-based Gildan Activewear (UPIC: GILDA381) in 2010 has identified its top-10 charities for 2011.

The “I Support…” program was launched to support charities and increase awareness about the importance of charitable donations and volunteerism throughout the apparel and promotional products industry. It has drawn nominations for more than 130 different charities from industry members, positively impacting more than 90 charities in North America with donations exceeding $87,000 so far this year.

The announcement of the program’s top 10 charities moves it to its second phase, when a panel of judges will select five of the 10 to receive additional donations from Gildan, totaling $100,000.

The 2011 “I Support…” campaign’s top-10 charities are:

• Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society
• Amizade Global Service-Learning
• Angel Covers
• Break Away: The Alternative Break Connection Inc.
• Camp Dreamcatcher
• Forgiven Ministry Inc.
• Our Little Roses Foreign Mission Society
• REVOLUTION457
• Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, MN Inc.
• YESIWUAH Inc.

To identify charities through its “I Support…” program, Gildan reached out through Facebook to members of the apparel and promotional products industry and asked them about the charities they support that have a genuine, positive impact on the communities they serve. This year, U.S. campaign participants who nominated a registered 501 (c) 3 charity were also able to direct an immediate $50 donation to their favorite charity, via Gildan Good Cards. More than $87,000 has been donated through this channel to date.

A panel of judges will identify five of the charities to be awarded donations ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Recipients will be chosen based on the accountability, sustainability and impact they demonstrate, all integral elements of Gildan’s Genuine Stewardship philosophy. Beneficiaries will be announced in January 2012.

For more details on Gildan’s Genuine Stewardship, the “I Support…” program and the selection process, please visit www.facebook.com/genuinegildan.