Naturalizer, a brand of Brown Shoe Company, Inc., (NYSE: BWS) (www.brownshoe.com),
today announced a donation of $20,000 to WaterCan, an international
charity dedicated to helping the world's poorest people gain access to
clean water, as part of its Friends of Naturalizer Fall 2010 campaign.
The shopping fundraiser, in its third season, encourages Naturalizer's
U.S. and Canadian consumers to support a philanthropic organization
whose mission inspires them.
In only 18 months, the Friends of Naturalizer program has generated
$60,000. Consumers must vote online on Naturalizer.com and
Naturalizer.ca to select a charitable partner for the season. For every
pair of shoes and handbag purchased during the Friends of Naturalizer
campaign, Naturalizer contributes $1.00 to the charity with the most
votes, up to $20,000.
"The growing success of this program is a true testament to how
socially-conscious our consumer is. Each organization that was selected
to be part of Friends of Naturalizer Fall 2010 is making a difference
around the globe. We are proud to support WaterCan in their efforts to
bring clean water to people in developing nations," said Naturalizer
Marketing Director Yolonda Curtin.
This season, Naturalizer asked shoppers to select from three
organizations in the disaster relief, clean water and animal well-being
arena. WaterCan, an organization that fights global poverty by helping
the world's poorest people gain access to clean water, basic sanitation
and hygiene education, garnered 47% percent of consumer votes.
"We are absolutely thrilled with the number of people that voted for
WaterCan and thank all of our friends and supporters for all of their
effort. Naturalizer has been a wonderful partner and we look forward to
using this generous donation towards transforming the lives of 800
people through access to clean, safe drinking water and basic
sanitation," said Gary H.J. Pluim, WaterCan's Executive Director.
Naturalizer.com and Naturalizer.ca offered shoppers a 30 percent Friends
and Family discount during Friends of Naturalizer 2010, as a thank you
for participating. The two other organizations will receive an
additional donation for their involvement in the campaign.
About WaterCan
WaterCan is a leading international development charity dedicated to
fighting global poverty by helping the world's poorest people gain
access to clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene education. Our
vision is simple: Clean Water for All! Since 1987, WaterCan's
small-scale, community-driven programs have reached more than 1.2
million children, women and men in the world's poorest regions, breaking
the cycle of poverty and disease and increasing opportunities for
health, education, gender equality, and economic growth. Website: www.watercan.com
About Naturalizer
Launched in 1927 as one of the first comfort-driven fashion footwear
brands, Naturalizer strives each season to deliver just the right blend
of style and comfort for the busy lifestyle of today's woman. Learn more
by visiting www.naturalizer.com,
and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Naturalizer.
About Brown Shoe Company, Inc.
Brown Shoe's Retail division operates Famous Footwear, a leading family
branded footwear destination with over 1,100 stores nationwide and
e-commerce site FamousFootwear.com,
approximately 270 specialty retail stores in the U.S., Canada, and China
primarily under the Naturalizer brand name, and footwear e-tailer shoes.com.
Through its wholesale divisions, Brown Shoe designs and markets leading
footwear brands including Naturalizer, Dr. Scholl's, Franco Sarto,
LifeStride, Etienne Aigner, Sam Edelman, Via Spiga, Vera Wang Lavender
and Buster Brown. Brown Shoe press releases are available on the
Company's website at www.brownshoe.com.
