New Balance, Inc. and New Balance Foundation kicked off their first New Balance SparkStart Global Volunteer Week in support of NB SparkStart, a global charitable initiative focused on improving the health, well-being and self-esteem of children through movement. Associates in 17 global locations in the United States, Canada, UK, China, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, among others, will join together for nearly 30 community volunteer projects that range from playground makeovers to mini-sports days with local childrens organizations.
NB SparkStart aligns New Balance, Inc. and the New Balance Foundation philanthropy, volunteering and other responsible business activities.
Our goal is to inspire millions of children around the world to discover and nurture their movement spark, says Anne Davis, New Balance Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of Administration. Children thrive when they are physically active. Whether its a love for jumping, running, soccer, or riding a bike, we believe that children who find their spark-how they love to move-stay active for a lifetime.
The companys inaugural SparkStartGlobal Volunteer Week efforts align directly with the NB SparkStart goal, by encouraging associates worldwide to coordinate service projects that inspire a lifetime of movement and healthy eating in kids.
Giving back is part of New Balances DNA, says Amy Sweeney, Community Outreach Manager at New Balance. Launching our first Global Volunteer Week to unite global associates in service is a big milestone and will enable us to make an even greater impact in our backyards worldwide.
Through grants, associate volunteerism and engagement, athlete involvement, product donations, retail events and consumer engagement, NB SparkStart works to improve the health, well-being and self-esteem of children worldwide. NB SparkStart aligns New Balance, Inc. and the New Balance Foundation philanthropy, volunteering and other responsible business activities.
Doing well and doing good is part of the unchanging core and future vision of New Balance, says Davis. We particularly see this during Global Volunteer Week as our associates volunteer as coaches and catalysts with children in their local communities, using their resources, energy and skills to inspire children to move,play and learn healthy habits for life.
Since its inception in 1981, The New Balance Foundation has been committed to supporting causes that will make a long-lasting and sustainable change in the world. Since 2001, the Foundations focus has been on preventing childhood obesity through supporting research, and grassroots organizations that are teaching children how to make healthy eating choices and helping them to be more active.
Consumers can visit www.newbalance.com/NBSparkStart for stories of how New Balance associates and athletes discovered their spark and the impact it had on their lives. Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @nbgivesback #nbsparkstart.
About New Balance Foundation
Established in 1981, the New Balance Foundation has served a deeply held mission: to support charitable organizations whose humanitarian efforts work for the betterment of our children and communities. The heart of our focus is the prevention of childhood obesity. For more information, please visit www.newbalancefoundation.org.
