We were overthinking the name of the new shirting line, Givedon until we asked the owners for an explanation:
GIVE = “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we GIVE.” – Winston Churchill
DON = A title in the Spanish language used to address a man worthy of respect and honor.
Founded in Miami in September (this line is brand spankin’ new!) by Willy Moeller and Felipe Perez-Anda; Both were born in Ecuador and raised in Miami. The boys wanted to create a brand that was good looking as well as having a philanthropic angle. After a trip to a clothing trade show, they knew that a shirting line was the route they wanted to go. The product is made of 100% cotton; the duo started with eight shirts and more are rolling out on a steady basis.
Willy and Felipe are not just writing a check to some organization in another country; they have people on the ground in Latin America who are always searching for new people to work with. Their partner organization, ‘Fundación Verdad y Vida Ava’, has been helping people and communities in Ecuador for over seven years. Together they are able to ensure the delivery of gifts and that their customer’s contributions are donated. You can see some great images of happy kids with new toys here.
In addition to helping the company deliver toys to little ones, Fundación Verdad y Vida Ava also organizes events for the children, where they are provided with food, clothes, and school supplies. They also provide emotional support seminars for the children’s parents.
Givedon also works with two other foundations: Henry Davis and Casa Victoria.
Henry Davis is a foundation located near the Andes mountain range in Ecuador, South America. It is the home of more than 100 Ecuadorian orphans. These big-hearted kids need lots of love and attention, so their commitment with them is to provide all the support they can offer.
Casa Victoria is another wonderful organization dedicated to helping the community of San Roque, a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Old Town Quito.
This is only the beginning for this new company. As Givedon grows, so will their ability to better the lives of the children all over Latin America. They are starting out with toys, but continuing with building schools, help centers, parks, and houses in the future.
