Tilley Hats Raises $100k with Hemp

Toronto, Canada (July 8, 2009) – Tilley Endurables, makers of the iconic Tilley Hat, is giving back to the community through the sales of its successful Hemp Hat collection. Tilley and Street Kids International are proud to announce that a milestone $100,000 has been donated by Tilley to the charity since 2004.

This relationship was born while Alex Tilley (company founder, creator of the Tilley Hat) was travelling in Peru a number of years ago; he met a little boy who shined shoes on the street. The impact of this experience has since turned into a charitable effort. Having learned about Street Kids International, Alex Tilley committed to donate a portion of sales from each Tilley Hemp Hat to Street Kids International.

Alex Tilley notes, “Street Kids International, is an organization that helps street youth earn a living in healthy and effective ways. It is deeply rewarding for me to have the ability to help them. It feels good knowing that Tilley is contributing to keeping kids safe. As an Entrepreneur it pleases me to help those with business ambitions realize their dreams.”

Street Kids International is a registered charity in Canada, the United States and the UK, whose mission it is to give street involved youth around the world the choices, skills, and opportunities to make better lives for themselves. They operate in more than 30 countries outside North America. www.streetkids.org.

“We are thrilled that Tilley has reached this fundraising milestone, a reflection of its generosity and commitment to giving back. The innovative Tilley Hemp Hat Programme has proven incredibly impactful for Street Kids International, as funds raised have helped better the lives of the world’s poorest youth through our business and health trainings,” says David Pell, chief executive officer of Street Kids International.

Another partner in this relationship is Tim Dennis, also known as ‘the Rambling Rat.’ The Rambling Rat Project is an innovative worldwide expedition focusing on marginalized youth across the globe. Tim is an inspired traveler from Scotland who gave up his job and his home to travel the world to help raise awareness for Street Kids International. In 2008, Tim bought a Tilley Hat; the label inside described Tilley’s support for Street Kids International. This support aligned well with Tim’s aspirations to help youth worldwide.

He sold his home for a customized Toyota Landcruiser with rooftop tent and developed this unique partnership with Street Kids International.




Why Rambling Rat? Set up in the Chinese year of the Rat, Rambling Rat challenges the stigma of street kids by using a cartoon-themed rat named “Dylan.” Rats can adapt to nearly any environment, as many street kids are forced to do.

To date, Tilley has four Hemp Hat styles, including the most recent addition, the TH9, which was introduced at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market ’09; all 4 styles help the charity.


About Tilley Endurables
Tilley Hats can be purchased at more than 3,100 partner retailers worldwide, including over 1,900 active lifestyle stores across the United States. Consumers can find store locations and obtain further information at http://www.tilley.com or call 1-800-ENDURES (1-800-363-8737). A leader in travel and sun protection gear for more than 28 years, Tilley Endurables designs its signature Tilley Hats and travel clothing with unique, long-lasting features for travellers who embrace their unique spirit of adventure.

About Street Kids International
Street Kids International is a non-profit agency and a global leader in developing and disseminating the strategies and tools needed to give street kids around the world the choices, skills, and opportunities to make a better life for themselves. Having worked with more than 2 million street kids in over 60 countries, Street Kids International has been recognized by the United Nations as a Global Best practice leader in youth work.

Street Kids International is a registered charity in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom and is currently delivering programs in over 10 countries globally.



Media Contacts:
Verde PR & Consulting
Julie Snider-Popp
juliecpopp@yahoo.com
970-259-3555

Tilley Endurables
Zoë Zwolak
zoez@tilley.com
416-444-6944 x 258