Project Migration Inc. sells apparel, Ubuntu bracelets and bags to benefit single women in Africa, and also offers all-inclusive "Migration Vacations," philanthropic trips to Africa that allow people to do good -- and see the world -- in their time off.
Started by New York-based social entrepreneur Hilary Rowland, the sales of Project Migration products fund wells for clean water as well as life-saving medical supplies for single women and their children living in slums. A single t-shirt will provide a woman with 5 years of clean water and medical aid.
"Whenever possible we try to produce products directly in Africa and made by single mothers in order to provide them with a source of income so that they can afford to feed their children and provide them with education," the company says.
Best known for their Give Hope t-shirts, Project Migration has been able to generate a strong following of supporters, including Sting who wore the Distressed Give Hope t-shirt at an Earth Day concert in Washington D.C. The line's Give Hope t-shirts have also been seen on celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Bradley Cooper, Alicia Keys, and Adrian Grenier who can see be seen wearing a Project Migration Ubuntu bracelet as a necklace in the gallery.
So far Project Migration has helped give 1,500-1,800 women and children access to medical care, and 750 people access to clean water
As for Migration Vacations, the trips to Africa allow supporters to meet the single mothers in person, donate the supplies, and educate them on how to use them. They offer an Ekisa option, which is "a hands-on medical aid mission trip, and is financially economical," and a Sadaka option, which is more luxurious while still letting trip-goers get involved.
Rowland has been giving to, and volunteering for, charities since she was in grade school, and been an entrepreneur since she launched her first Internet companies at age 15. In addition to designing all Project Migrations products herself, she also designed and coded the website.
Contact Information
Project Migration Website
Project Migration on Facebook
Project Migration on Twitter
Project Migration clothing on Yoga Clothing
Project Migration shirts on ShopFlick
Clothes That Buy Water
Each Project Migration Shirt Gives 5 Years of H2O, Medical Aid
Trend Themes
1. Philanthropic Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to create apparel that supports charitable causes and provides tangible benefits, such as clean water and medical aid.
2. Socially Responsible Travel - Emerging trend of vacation experiences that combine leisure with philanthropy, allowing travelers to contribute to charitable causes while enjoying their time off.
3. Ethical Supply Chains - Increasing demand for products made in Africa by single mothers, offering them a source of income and supporting economic empowerment.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion brands can incorporate philanthropic initiatives into their business models, creating apparel that directly benefits charitable causes.
2. Travel and Tourism - Travel companies can develop philanthropic travel packages that give travelers the opportunity to make a positive impact on local communities.
3. Manufacturing - Manufacturers can focus on ethical sourcing and production methods, supporting marginalized groups and empowering them through employment opportunities.