Shop With Purpose Organizations • Donations & Contributions

Shop With Purpose Organizations • Donations & Contributions

In an effort to have full transparency, I wanted to keep a running list of all of the Organizations that HEMLEVA, I, Samantha Leung and my husband, Andy have donated to over the years.

Here is a running list of organizations since 2020. If you are looking for a recommendation for an group that I endorse, or would like to have a better idea of the values that we stand behind, this is a really great place to start.

Please know that I will always do my best to be a good steward for your donation. I always try to do as much research as possible before I decide on an organization. I look into their values, their mission, what actionable things they are doing or plan to do, as well as take the time to check their rating on Charity Navigator.

I want to add that I really couldn't have made these donations without the support of my customers and retail partners over the years. It's a really good reminder that we are stronger together.

Thank you,
Samantha

2023 Organizations & Donations

This year I have decided to give back more than ever before and only four months into 2023, I have, through HEMLEVA have donated over $5,000 to organizations I believe in, including:

    2022 Organizations & Donations

    In addition to the product-based fundraising efforts that I will continue to do throughout the year, like with my Very Asian Apparel line, HEMLEVA has joined 1% for the Planet and pledges 1% of all sales throughout the year to Environmental Causes.

    More about 1% for the Planet
    SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, January 1, 2022 -- HEMLEVA joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of annual sales to support nonprofit organizations focused on the environment.
    "Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes. We're excited to welcome HEMLEVA to our global movement," says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.
    By contributing 1% of their annual sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet members have raised over $300 million to support approved environmental nonprofits around the globe. Nonprofits are approved based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Thousands of nonprofits worldwide are currently approved.
    About 1% for the Planet
    1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. We inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. We make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.
    Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our business members and individual members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to our approved nonprofit partners to date. Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental nonprofits working toward a better future for all.  Look for our logo to purchase for the planet, learn more and join at onepercentfortheplanet.org.

     

     


     

     

    2021 Organizations & Donations

    October, November & December • First Nations Development Institute

    Upon reflecting on Indigenous Peoples' Day and Thanksgiving, what these days represent and mean, I have decided that for both October and November, I will be donating my Shop With Purpose Proceeds to First Nations Development Institute.

    While there are a number of organizations that are doing incredible things, this was selected with guidance from Charity Navigator which gives the First Nations Development Institute a 4 out of 4 Star Rating.

    According to Charity Navigator, this is a "charit[y] that [is] Native-led focusing on advocacy, education, and amplifying the history of Indigenous and Native communities." One thing that the FNDI stated that really resonated with me when I was doing research was that "We believe that only solutions designed by Native peoples, for Native peoples, through the control of their assets and based on their cultural values, will succeed." Their mission is as follows:

    "Our mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. We invest in and create innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities."

    August 30th through the end of September • GlobalGiving

    In an effort to help provide Hurricane Ida Relief, contribute to the Afghanistan Emergency Fund and the Haiti Earthquake Relief. I did extensive research to find an organization that could help all of these worthy causes, and found GlobalGiving.
    GlobalGiving is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, and has a 98.23 charity score (out of 100), earning it a 4 out of 4 Star rating with Charity Navigator.
    200% of the proceeds from August 30th through September 30th of the "We are stronger together" line of products will be split between the three aforementioned causes and donated.

    July & August • The Loveland Foundation

    July was Minority Mental Health Awareness month, and to help amplify the importance of mental health, I will be donating my Shop With Purpose Proceeds to The Loveland Foundation.

    The Loveland Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization and their 2021 goal is to provide 50,000 hours of free therapy sessions.

    "The Loveland Foundation is the official continuation of this effort to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately we hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities we serve."

    June • The Trevor Project
    They are a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization and have a 4/4* rating on Charity Navigator. I firmly believe in and stand behind their mission statement and the positive work they have done over the years.

    "The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25.

    The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide.

    If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org"

    April & May 2021 • Asian Americans Advancing Justice
    They are a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization and have a 4/4* rating on Charity Navigator. I firmly believe in and stand behind their mission statement:

    "Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is a national nonprofit founded in 1991 to protect civil and human rights. As a national advocate for Asian Americans based in Washington, D.C., we serve our country's newest American community by promoting justice for all Americans, empowering our communities, bringing local and national constituencies together, and ensuring Asian Americans are able to fully participate in our democracy. Rooted in the dreams of immigrants and inspired by the promise of opportunity, Advancing Justice | AAJC advocates for an America in which all Americans are able to equally benefit from, and contribute to, the American dream."

    That along with my other Shop With Purpose products totaled a donation of $3216.04!

    March 2021 • Chinese for Affirmative Action

    The CAA is one of the three organizations that founded Stop AAPI Hate which is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and has a 4/4* rating on Charity Navigator. Together we were able to donate 200% of all of the proceeds from each sticker. That along with my other Shop With Purpose products totaled a donation of $11,998!

    "Chinese for Affirmative Action was founded in 1969 to protect the civil and political rights of Chinese Americans and to advance multiracial democracy in the United States. Today, CAA is a progressive voice in and on behalf of the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We advocate for systemic change that protects immigrant rights, promotes language diversity, and remedies racial and social injustice."
    "Our vision fifty years ago that endures today is of a world that works for everyone — a world in which all people live free from bigotry, discrimination, hate, prejudice, and bias. Core civil rights principles such as inclusion, equity, justice, and compassion guide the type of change we seek to achieve and the values we seek to embody.
    Though much progress over the past five decades has been made, it is clear that since 2016 we are in a moment of great danger and great opportunity. With the rights and well-being of historically disenfranchised, marginalized, and vulnerable communities under ferocious attack, CAA is stepping up in all areas of its work to meet growing demands for assistance and leadership."

     

     

    2020 Organizations & Donations

    Through your your support, in 2020 HEMLEVA, Samantha Leung and her husband Andy were able to donate $9,600 to the following organizations

    • Black Girls Code
      Their Vision: "To increase the number of women of color in the digital space by empowering girls of color ages 7 to 17 to become innovators in STEM fields, leaders in their communities, and builders of their own futures through exposure to computer science and technology. To provide African-American youth with the skills to occupy some of the 1.4 million computing job openings expected to be available in the U.S. by 2020, and to train 1 million girls by 2040."
    • Innocence Project
      Their Missio      n: "The Innocence Project's mission is to free the staggering number of innocent people who remain incarcerated, and to bring reform to the system responsible for their unjust imprisonment."

    • Loveland Foundation
      "The Loveland Foundation is the official continuation of this effort to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately we hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities we serve."

    • NAACP
      Their Vision: "Our vision is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination."
    • One Tree Planted
      "One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As an environmental charity, we're on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees! One dollar. One tree."

    • RASKC: Reginal Animal Services of King County
      Their Mission: "Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) provides King County with sustainable, cost effective services that protect people and animals, while providing humane animal care. Our organization is built on the cornerstone values of compassion and service. We demonstrate this commitment in the countless hours spent by staff and our RASKC volunteers to save animals' lives at the shelter and in the field. By collaborating with community partners, we are able to expand our programs and resources to provide even greater value to our residents."
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