Kiehl's, the 160-year-old New York apothecary whose shampoos, skin creams and other potions are now sold worldwide in such high-end stores as Barney's, has just announced its corporate philanthropy program.
Kiehl's Gives, embodied by the logo at right, is launching with a modest sum ($160,000) to get rolling — with the Pepsi Refresh-like twist that customers and brand fans can vote on worthy causes to receive a donation.
As the brand notes on its blog,
"Kiehl’s mission statement states that we are 'to improve in some way the quality of the community… making for better citizens, better firms, and better communities.' To that end, Kiehl’s has always focused its efforts on the betterment of its local communities by targeting philanthropic endeavors on the needs and concerns of its citizens. Over Kiehl’s long history of charitable giving, the company has supported three key causes: Children’s wellbeing, environmental issues, and HIV/AIDS research. These three areas are also the focus of our new Kiehl’s Gives initiative."
The Kiehl’s Gives logo is designed to embody all three causes. "At the center of the icon are three rings, each with a characteristic of one of our three pillars of giving. One ring has a AIDS ribbon inside, another has the face of a child and the third is slightly pointed to become the shape of a leaf, representing our commitment to the environment."
Over the coming months, you’ll see this icon in our stores and on some of our products. It’s a reminder that Kiehl’s is committed to giving back. It is also a reminder that we want you to vote for the charity about which you are most passionate at KiehlsGives.com, where you can also explore the charities that Kiehl’s has supported over the past two decades.
A total of 24 charities are involved in the Kiehl's Gives launch, each charitable area supported by eight organizations, and the public can vote their favorites from now through August 31 for a piece of the $160,000 awards pie from Kiehl’s, with each charity receiving a minimum of $20,000 and the top winners considerably more.
Kiehl’s has been making a difference since 1861 and humble beginnings in the old-world apothecary business in New York's Lower East Side; their distinctive brand characterized by unusual and effective remedies, and personalized contact with every customer.
Three celebrity ambassadors are helping bring attention to the kick-off: actress Julianne Moore, and musicians Pharrell Williams and the Scissor Sisters.
Moore is supporting Save the Children, to help combat childhood poverty:
Williams’ foundation, From One Hand to Another, is building an eco-friendly resource center for kids in his hometown of Virginia Beach. He also collaborated with Kiehl’s on Earth Day, designing an eco-friendly tote bag.
The Scissor Sisters are working with the After Hours Project, an HIV/AIDS harm reduction program with outreach to low income and minority communities providing information and clean needles among other resources. It's a cause near and dear to the band's hearts: not only are they icons in the gay community, but lead singer Ana Matronic explains below how she lost her father to AIDS in 1990.
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