Timberland yesterday announced ‘Canvas that Cares,’ a new initiative created to raise funds for non-profit organizations through the auction of custom-designed, limited edition Earthkeepers footwear.
Photo: boot design by Ringo Starr, from community.timberland.com
Earthkeepers is Timberland’s most eco-minded collection and the company invited rock and roll legend and artist Ringo Starr to create his original peace sign artwork to feature on a new collection. The boots will be auctioned on December 1 on eBay and proceed will go to WaterAid, a non-profit that works on improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in the world’s poorest communities.
«We’re thrilled about the Canvas That Cares program, and could not think of a better partner for our launch than Ringo Starr,» said Mike Harrison, chief brand officer, Timberland. «For nearly 40 years, Timberland has followed a mantra of ‘doing well and doing good.’ Beyond his undisputed influence on music history, Ringo, too, has long been known for his commitment to social justice. With Canvas That Cares, we have a great opportunity to join forces and raise much-needed funds for a highly deserving organization, WaterAid.»
Starr’s original ‘piece’ as well as the personal artist’s sign will appear on 75 pairs of the Timberland Earthkeepers City 6″ Leather and Fabric Side Zip boot. The boots special Bionic canvas is created from Bionic yarn, a material made from organic cotton wrapped around a recycled PET core, which is twice as strong as traditional canvas and dries 30 percent faster. Ion-mask technology by P2i repels water and stains, keeping feet dry.
Bidding on eBay opens at 9 pm EST on December 1, and closes at 9 pm EST on December 11. Each pair of 75 boots collection will come with two sets of laces, in assorted colors and styles. 35 pairs will come with a Timberland Whiteledge Recycled Nylon Packable Duffel Bag and 10 pairs will come with a second pair of Earthkeepers City 6″ Leather and Fabric Side Zip Boots, in a range of sizes. All 75 pairs of signed boots will be size 8, which is Ringo’s shoe size.
The bid for each boot package set at $250 and Timberland hopes to raise a minimum of $18,750 for WaterAid. The boots are being listed using eBay Giving Works. eBay has just launched its Celebrity page for philantropic reasons too. In addition, Starr’s ‘All-Starr Band’ will wear the limited edition boots on upcoming tour dates.
