The greenhouse will provide daily meals for 42 children at St. Ann’s Orphanage in Kenya
Laguna Beach, Calif. – January 26, 2016 – With My Own Two Hands, an Orange County-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned children in Africa, announces the addition of a greenhouse at the St. Ann’s Orphanage in Kekopey, Kenya, which was built with funds raised by With My Own Two Hands. The greenhouse will greatly benefit the orphanage by diminishing the need to purchase greens and vegetables to feed the children. By selling leftover produce to the surrounding community, the greenhouse will ultimately generate an income for the orphanage, furthering their financial independence.
Funds for the construction of the greenhouse were raised through a collaboration between With My Own Two Hands, J.Crew’s Garments for Good and EDUN, a fashion brand devoted to sourcing production, encouraging trade and providing jobs in Africa. The collaboration featured a children’s t-shirt designed by EDUN, which was inspired by the Ndebele people of South Africa and the beautiful geometric patterns that decorate the outside of their homes. The t-shirts were produced entirely in Kenya and sold through J. Crew’s Garments for Good website.
“We’re very thankful for the opportunity to partner with great companies like J.Crew and EDUN,” said Lindsey Pluimer, founder and CEO of With My Own Two Hands. “The funds raised from this project are already making a difference in these children’s lives, which were so difficult before arriving at St. Ann’s. The children do not have consistent access to iron rich diets and we know this greenhouse will fill that need and really allow them to thrive. This greenhouse is also another step in the process towards achieving financial independence and stability.”
“We initially got involved with the St. Ann’s Orphanage because EDUN’s factory was so close by. The founder of the orphanage, Irene, introduced us to the children and we knew that it was something we wanted to support,” said Ali Hewson, founder of EDUN. “The collaboration between J. Crew’s Garments for Good, EDUN and With My Own Two Hands has been such a pleasure to work on. We’re looking forward to seeing the completed greenhouse and all the much needed produce it will provide to these amazing children.”
For more information on With My Own Two Hands Foundation, including ways to get involved, visit http://www.withmyown2hands.org/.
About With My Own Two Hands
With My Own Two Hands Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned or disadvantaged children in need. With the belief that diminishing poverty must start with the children, the organization’s goal is to provide an education to children in need while making sure they have the necessities of shelter, water, and food. For more information, please visit http://www.withmyown2hands.org/.
About EDUN
EDUN is a global fashion brand based in New York. In respect of its mission to source production and encourage trade in Africa, EDUN mixes its modern designer vision with the richness and positivity of this fast-growing continent. EDUN is building long-term, sustainable growth opportunities by supporting manufacturers, community-based initiatives and partnering with African artists and artisans.
Founded by Ali Hewson and Bono in 2005, LVMH invested in EDUN in 2009. Danielle Sherman was named Creative Director in April 2013. For more information please visit http://edun.com/.
About J.Crew
J.Crew Group, Inc. is an internationally recognized omni-channel retailer of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, shoes and accessories. As of December 3, 2015, the Company operates 287 J.Crew retail stores, 99 Madewell stores, jcrew.com, jcrewfactory.com, the J.Crew catalog, madewell.com, the Madewell catalog, and 159 factory stores (including eight J.Crew Mercantile stores). Certain product, press release and SEC filing information concerning the Company are available at the Company’s website www.jcrew.com.
