Blackaholic Apparel has always been bigger than clothes. It’s culture, community, and a statement that we move with purpose. That’s exactly why we created the Blackaholic Social Giving Project—a commitment to take what we build and pour it right back into the people. This isn’t “charity for content.” This is personal. This is legacy work. Project #1: The Haydee Bear Project The Haydee Bear Project is our first official giving initiative, and it’s rooted in a moment that changed my life. When my daughter Hayden was 2 years old, she had an accident at our church. She fell and hit her head, and what followed was one of the scariest moments a parent can experience. She was treated for a minor skull fracture, and in that season, all we could do was lean on faith, prayer, and the people around us. By God’s grace, she recovered fully—and it didn’t have any lasting effect. But that experience left a promise in my heart: if my baby made it through, I was going to give back to children who are facing scary nights in hospitals. That promise became the Haydee Bear Project. How it works From our BAU Nike sales, we dedicate half of the money generated to purchasing Build-A-Bear bears. Then we deliver those bears to our local children’s hospital, where they’re given out in a powerful way: Every time a new child is admitted And they’re staying overnight in the children’s care facility They receive a bear A bear might seem simple, but when a child is away from home, scared, and in pain, something soft to hold can mean everything. It’s comfort. It’s courage. It’s a reminder that somebody cares. Project #2: Support for Our Unhoused Community Our second giving initiative is focused on helping people experiencing homelessness get what they need to make it through the day. That means providing essentials like: Food Personal hygiene products Everyday care items that restore dignity and stability Real talk: nobody should be invisible. And nobody should feel like they don’t matter. The Long-Term Vision: Giving Grows As We Grow Right now, our giving is powered by the BAU Nike sales. But we’re not stopping there. Once we create our own line of shoes, we’re committing to the same standard: The same amount we give from BAU Nike sales Will continue to be given from the sales of our own shoe line And it will keep fueling both projects In other words: as Blackaholic grows, the giving grows. Why This Matters Blackaholic was built on celebrating Black excellence, resilience, and community. That celebration doesn’t mean anything if we’re not showing up for people when it counts.