Charles River Apparel, Sharon, Mass., recently received the National Sporting Goods Association’s (NSGA) 2013 All-Star Community Collaboration Award and was an honoree at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center’s annual fundraiser The One Hundred.
NSGA’s All-Star Community Collaboration Award recognizes companies that have gone above and beyond in their support of community activities, events or organizations through financial assistance and direct participation. Massachusetts General’s The One Hundred event honors 100 individuals and groups whose philanthropy and passion have helped advance the fight against cancer.
Charles River Apparel was recognized by both organizations because of the company’s philanthropic efforts via its landmark “Be Pink Proud” program. Through this program, a portion of sales from the company’s pink apparel is donated to cancer support groups, most notably the Wellness Warriors.
The Wellness Warriors is a Boston-based dragon boat paddling team that introduces cancer patients and survivors to the healing joys of river paddling. Charles River Apparel provides the team with financial assistance, team apparel, free office space and administrative and marketing support. In 2012, the company donated a new pink dragon boat.
Charles River Apparel’s support of such programs stems from personal losses. Owner and CEO Barry Lipsett lost both his mother and sister (a long-time Charles River Apparel employee) to cancer.
For more information, visit charlesriverapparel.com. — L.M.
