Afterpay, the provider of “Buy Now, Pay Later” payments, announced that it is helping communities recover from COVID-19 through two new partnerships. The company is teaming up with A Common Thread, an initiative led by Vogue and the CFDA, which raises funds and awareness for the American fashion community, and Baby2Baby, which provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and the basic necessities.
Afterpay has launched a “top-up” program that allows customers using Afterpay to “top-up” their purchases by adding a $1 donation to participating charitable organizations. The program will launch with A Common Thread and Baby2Baby as Afterpay’s initial top-up program launch partners. Afterpay has also committed to donating more than $200,000 to several COVID-19 related charities around the world including A Common Thread and Baby2Baby.
Afterpay is donating directly to these organizations because of their contributions to helping communities recover from this challenging economic climate. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, originally established as a response to the tragedy that took place on 9/11, has been repurposed to A Common Thread, an initiative that raises both funds and awareness for those in the American fashion community who have been impacted by COVID-19. Grants made by A Common Thread are being awarded to small and medium-sized businesses including designers, retailers, factories, and other fashion companies.
Over the last 10 weeks, Baby2Baby has distributed 15 million essential items including diapers, formula, soap, shampoo, baby food, and more to kids and families across the country impacted by COVID-19. They have distributed over 100 million items over the last 9 years to kids in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals, and underserved schools.
“We’re thrilled to participate in Afterpay’s new top up program”, said Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof, co-presidents of Baby2Baby. “Their recent donation to our Mother’s Day Instagram Live will go such a long way in supporting our ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts, and future contributions from their customers will help us even more as we continue providing basic essentials to some of the most vulnerable families across the country.”
“The CFDA is very grateful for Afterpay’s support of A Common Thread,” said Steven Kolb, president and CEO of the CFDA. “The American fashion industry continues to face unprecedented challenges, and Afterpay’s contribution will help us raise additional funds to help our businesses.”
“I know I speak for the entire Afterpay team in sharing my excitement and commitment to these two important organizations which are providing critical resources as we re-emerge from this challenging time,” said Nick Molnar, co-founder and U.S. CEO of Afterpay. “Together, with our Afterpay community, we can make a difference through funding and awareness that will deliver real relief and benefits to both the retail community and moms and children in need.”
Photo courtesy Afterpay
