Great Give-Back: Distributors Share Their Favorite Products That Support Charities And Causes

Roger Burnett
Founder
Social Good Promotions
PPAI 758285, D3
Carey, Ohio

Burnett says his favorite giveback program was an industry effort.

“PromoCares’ Water4Good campaign was my favorite this year. A cross-section of industry suppliers pledged a portion of the proceeds from the second quarter to the benefit of Planet Water Foundation, who used the proceeds from this fundraising campaign to build AquaTowers in Mexico during their November 2023 installation. We had set a goal to build two towers, but six or seven were built instead! This was a landmark campaign [because we asked for] participation from both suppliers and distributors. We’re especially grateful to S&S Activewear and Hit Promotional Products, each of which made substantial commitments and contributions to the campaign.”

This Jaclyn Bottle has a screw on, spill-resistant lid, an easy-carry strap and a wide-mouth opening. It’s made from recycled materials by melting down existing plastic bottles and other materials to create new polyester fiber from post-consumer recycled materials. Hand wash recommended.

Hit Promotional Products / PPAI 113910, S13 

Burnett faithfully uses brands that have similar commitment to social good.

“We’re huge fans of the BrüMate line [for] their commitment to giving back to causes like the Trevor Project and the Food Bank of the Rockies, among others. They are also members of the Conservation Alliance to help fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild and scenic natural beauty.”

Enhance your drinking experience with the BrüMate Winesulator, your new go-to for transporting wine in style. It holds a full bottle of wine while maintaining the perfect temperature for more than 24 hours. The stainless steel bottle allows you to take your wine to the beach, pool, campsite or any other glass-free zone.

HIRSCH / PPAI 221823, S10 

Burnett would suggest PCNA’s ProudPath program.

“We really love the ProudPath program from PCNA. They’ve done a fantastic job of curating a selection of products across multiple categories and at all the important price points. They then add a ton of educational content to the product selections, and together, we’re able to tell a pretty compelling story to our clients and prospects built off the great work PCNA has done.”

The Hilana Upcycled Yalova Ultra Soft Marbled Blanket is made with 50% recycled cotton. It’s extra durable and gets softer with each wash. Perfect for days at the pool or beach, the blanket will dry you quicker than a regular towel, and it will dry faster, too.

PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15

Karie Cowden, MAS
President
Connect The Dots Promotions
PPAI 368415, D3
Phoenix, Arizona

Cowden also says her favorite give-back programs have happened with PromoCares, a volunteer-based group dedicated to corporate social responsibility.

“As a board member of PromoCares, my favorite movements are the ones with these rock stars. We’ve hosted one or two give-back programs each year, and I’m continued to be blown away by [our] cooperation over competition. We have some amazing suppliers that step up in ways that are truly inspiring. Right now, PromoCares is [running the] Water4Good Campaign, and we will have teams travel down to Mexico to be hands-on in the experience. When you can link product with an experience and then spin it for good, wow!”

All proceeds from the “Water Is A Human Right” tee will be donated to the Planet Water Foundation. PromoCares thanks S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, S12) for donating the tees, Supacolor (PPAI 820922, S00) for donating the digital transfers and PromoHunt (PPAI 720961, A1) for making and shipping these tees. It’s a 50/50 combed ring spun USA-premium cotton/polyester fine jersey with a ribbed collar, side seams, and a tearaway label.

S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12 

Cowden says she wants to try a festival-type give-back program.

“I think that pulling together local celebrities and talent brings the crowds. It’s brewing in my mind, but I haven’t formulated it yet. We have suppliers that have built-in give-back programs, and I try to push my clients to those lines when it makes sense. I love seeing how our industry has seen the benefit in products tied to give-back campaigns.”

This Three-Piece Disc Golf Set is perfect for fun at music festivals and parks. The set includes a short-range disc, mid-range disc and driver disc. It also includes an eco-friendly bag with adjustable straps for easy carrying on the course. PCNA partnered with 1% For The Planet to donate 1% of sales of their EcoSmart line to environmental nonprofits.

PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15

Cowden would encourage her clients to think creatively.

“In 2018, we worked with a client to raise money for a local homeless shelter. We had a great location and time of year, but it was becoming stagnant. Our team worked together to create an event that was still at the right time of year and in a great location, but added a world record to the mix. Giving went up 67%. The other ripple effect was the current record holders started competing with us, and we both increased giving and had some fun with social media. The world record was ‘The most people running a 1K in branded flip-flops.’”

The Hari Mari Men’s Pier Flip Flops have memory foam for instant comfort, as well as a soft, water-resistant nubuck leather strap and firm arch support that keeps feet in proper position. The durable, crepe-textured rubber outsole is boat-safe, providing extra grip with 100% rubber traction. Hit Promo donates 5% of the profits from its AWS line to charities including Shriners, American Cancer Society, Make-a-Wish and St. Jude’s.

Hit Promotional Products / PPAI 113910, S13 

Mel Hubner
Director of Social Impact and Sustainability
Brand Fuel
PPAI 277900, D8
Raleigh, North Carolina

Hubner’s favorite giveback product is the Duo Sip Tumbler from Elemental Bottles.

“Elemental is a certified minority-owned brand, and they donate 3% of their annual profits to nonprofits like charity: water and Beautify Earth. I love it when drinkware companies support projects to increase access to clean, safe drinking water. It makes sense. But supporting art and creativity through Beautify Earth is very aligned with Brand Fuel’s values as well. We believe art and music can uplift communities, and it’s nice to see Elemental supporting the same cause.

“The Duo Sip Tumbler is also a fantastic product. Keeping circular economy principles in mind, I really like it when products are designed for multiple purposes. The lid swap system is so simple, yet very impactful. Personally, I would love to have just a couple of my favorite tumblers and a few lids to use depending on what I’m drinking, versus several tumblers and tops.”
Elemental Bottles / PPAI 770416, S1 / 

Hubner faithfully uses this custom notebook.

“This has recently become one of my favorite notebooks. I love that it’s made with FSC-certified recycled paper, and it’s made in the U.S. Denik’s mission to enhance the education experience of thousands of students across the globe is truly inspiring. Especially when it comes to notebooks (which we have several options to choose from), it feels right to order from Denik – knowing that every time we order their products, we are also supporting one of their school projects.”
Denik / PPAI 766866, S4 

Hubner would suggest this uber-soft hoodie to her clients.

“This is a cozy one! It’s warm and soft – made with 100% fair trade organic cotton. tentree is a fellow certified B Corp, and each purchase supports their goal of planting 1 billion trees by 2030. Additionally, every tentree item has a tag with a unique code specific to the trees that the product helped plant – a great, meaningful way to engage with the end recipient.

But it doesn’t stop there. This tentree hoodie is also part of PCNA’s ProudPath collection, which means that 1% of its purchase is donated to environmental nonprofits through PCNA’s partnership with 1% for the Planet.”

PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15 /