Balega, a South African company with headquarters located in North Carolina, currently leads fundraising initiatives through several programs and
partnerships that range from contributions aiding African anti-poaching
organizations to the U.S.-based Breast Cancer Fund.
“Balega is very committed to our roots in South Africa, as well as to our more recently established home here in the U.S.” said Tanya Pictor, Balega’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Balega believes in the importance of giving back, and we are proud to have created several important charitable projects to support both communities.”
Education tops Balega’s charitable efforts. The company’s Lesedi meaning “light and enlightenment” – Project supports South Africa’s Ethembeni School, offering education and life skills training to over 300 impoverished and disabled youth. The Lesedi Project raises funds for the school by organizing fun runs through U.S. retail partners such as Fleet Feet Sports, and through sales of students’ commissioned beadwork.
South Africa’s wildlife also benefit from Balega’s philanthropic ethos. This year, over one thousand endangered black rhinos are expected to perish in South Africa’s illegal rhino poaching trade. Balega fights poaching with the Rhino Project, the company’s anti-poaching effort to preserve the African Rhino population. Attendees of the Summer 2013 Outdoor Retailer show can show their support with the purchase of Balega’s “doek” the South African term for headscarf and sock package at its Outdoor Retailer booth (#41149). All proceeds will be donated to the Black Rhino Wildlife Trust.
Balega will also support the Breast Cancer Fund with sales of its Breast Cancer Awareness sock, available in stores October 1st. One dollar from each pair sold will benefit the BCF, which educates consumers on the link between chemicals and breast cancer. Additionally, the company gives back to U.S. veterans via its Veterans in Need program with a portion of the sales of its specially-marked Enduro Physical Training sock.
