If there are three things young professionals relish in, it’s a unique piece of clothing, supporting local talent, and getting behind a good cause. Making a difference for artists and non-profits in communities across the United States and Canada, SocialPakt offers all of the above. The online community generates funds and awareness for local artists and non-profits through the sale of limited edition t-shirts, something we can never get enough of.
The organization works by the execution of online campaigns that feature both one local artist and one local non-profit organization, whereby the featured artist creates a unique design that is inspired by the mission of the non-profit. The design is screened on a t-shirt, which is sold online for a limited time period. For each t-shirt sold, $6 is donated to the featured non-profit and $3 to the artist. The website features a limited edition t-shirt each week, with dollars donated and the donation goal promptly displayed on the site.
In addition to funds generated, so is awareness through the organization’s powerful social media networks and, of course, by wearing the anything-but-typical t-shirt yourself. Even if you don’t wish to purchase the shirt, “liking” it has an impact as well. On the site, the organization aims to educate and posts questions, holds contests and provides information about the non-profits they feature. The t-shirts support a broad range of causes, from anti-animal cruelty and anti-bullying to health-related initiatives.
Having made it’s way into Canada, right now you can purchase a t-shirt to support Three to Be, a Toronto-based non-profit whose mission is to advocate and raise funds to support and advance the development of innovative research, education and therapies for children with neurological disorders. Each retails for $22 and is available in a range of unisex sizes, from S to 3XL. Every shirt currently featured on the website can be shipped to Canada, with a shipping and handling charge of $5 for the first item, and an additional $2 for each incremental t-shirt.