BOSTON, June 22, 2018 – Almost a year after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is still re-building. A number of New Balance manufacturing associates hail from or have family on the island. As a result, New Balance Foundation and New Balance Athletics decided to take action to help the country move forward.
Together with national nonprofit Good Sports, the athletic footwear and apparel company and their charitable foundation are sending more than $110,000 in brand new sports equipment, shoes and apparel to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico serve nearly 2,000 kids daily in their thirteen clubhouses across the island. In the wake of devastating Hurricane Maria, the clubs provide a safe haven and welcome distraction from the tragedy.
“On behalf of Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico, our sincere thanks for your donation in support to our organization. This helps Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico to serve our participants and their communities. This support is crucial to fulfill the mission for the development of our children and youth in Puerto Rico,” noted Vivian Ibanez, Area Manager, Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico.
These thirteen locations will receive 80 NB Movement kits that include equipment ranging from lacrosse sticks to basketballs to soccer goals as well as 400 NB Sports Packs that contain New Balance fitness apparel, brand new sneakers, and personal sports equipment for the kids who need it most. Seventy-five New Balance employee volunteers from the company’s Boston Manufacturing facility, including some who have connections to Puerto Rico, assembled the kits.
“After a disaster, people want to return to life as they knew it as soon as possible. While a country rebuilds, life continues. Children are often the most vulnerable in these stressful situations. We’re proud to work with the Boys & Girls Clubs and Good Sports to help bring back a sense of normalcy, fun and good health for these kids,” Molly Santry, Senior Manager of Global Philanthropy at New Balance.
This effort builds on New Balance’s and New Balance Foundation’s 2017 $1 million contribution to American Red Cross to support various disaster relief efforts, including Puerto Rico. Through grants, global volunteerism, in-kind donations and more, New Balance and the New Balance Foundation aim to improve the health and well-being of children and families worldwide.
About New Balance Foundation: www.newbalancefoundation.org
Established in 1981, the New Balance Foundation has served a deeply held mission:
Established in 1981, the New Balance Foundation has served a deeply held mission:
to drive change in our global communities with an enduring commitment to preventing childhood obesity and championing the future success of today’s youth. For more than 35 years, New Balance Foundation has invested in research, and clinical, educational and community programs that promote healthy lifestyles, children's fitness and nutrition, and overall community wellness.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. Manufactured in the U.S. for over 75 years and representing a limited portion of our U.S. sales, New Balance Made U.S. is a premium collection that contains a domestic value of 70% or greater. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 6,000 associates around the globe, and in 2017 reported worldwide sales of $4 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com and for the latest press information please visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.
About Good Sports
Good Sports gives all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing equipment, apparel and footwear to those most in need. Since 2003, Good Sports has provided more than $26 million worth of equipment to more than 3,700 youth programs, impacting over FIVE MILLION kids. Good Sports has also been awarded a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator, for sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability; is a Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity; and is listed on Social Impact Exchange’s S&I 100, an index of scaling American nonprofits creating meaningful social impact. For more information on how you can support Good Sports, please visit www.goodsports.org.