This post is authored by Drawn from Valor, a partnered nonprofit.
Let us paint a picture for you: Imagine that you have a child or a family member who has been displaying unusual health symptoms. You take them to the doctor and you wait for test results. You are anxious and scared because you just want to help them feel better. Then, you get the diagnosis. It’s Type 1 diabetes. Now, the doctor gives you a lot of information, all of which you apparently have to learn right now. It seems like a whole new language! How can anyone learn all of this? What if you make a mistake?
Enter Drawn from Valor. Drawn from Valor is a nonprofit animation studio that uses the power of animation to educate and empower children and families who are facing life changing physical or mental health issues. It’s our goal to help them live longer, happier, healthier lives by providing them with the resources they need to understand their conditions.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE SO FAR?
Drawn from Valor’s first project,Kara and the (Not So) Dire Beastie was released in July 2018 as part of a new and innovative tool to help kids and their family members learn about Type 1 diabetes. The New Onset Diabetes Educator (NODE) contains an interactive eBook that tells the story of Kara, a young girl who has just been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Through NODE, we follow Kara on an 8-episode animated journey of discovery as she learns to manage her condition.
Her adventures bring her into contact with new friends like Sir Rynge and the RedBlooded Knight who help her care for her pal, the Dire Beastie (a play on words for diabetes). The “Beastie” represents a cell in the body. He needs a special key, which stands in for insulin, to unlock his mouth so he can eat. Normally, he is a happy blue Beastie, roaming the kingdom eating “glueclose” (i.e., glucose). He becomes “Dire” when the keys go missing. At the end of the story, when Kara learns how to manage her diabetes, she realizes the Beastie is not so dire. Our hope is that children following along will feel the same way, will have learned the disease is manageable, and know they can live full, happy lives with Type 1 diabetes. You can learn more about Kara and her adventures here.
WHY ANIMATION AND WHY ARE WE EXCITED ABOUT GIVING ASSISTANT?
Studies have shown that children learn and understand material better and at a more rapid pace when it is presented in animated form. Additionally, because of their visual nature, animations are particularly well-suited for explaining topics and issues that may be hard to understand otherwise. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; one second of animation can literally be up to 30 pictures or more.
Animation is very expensive to create. It costs us approximately $225 per second…or nearly $94,500 for a 7-minute episode. While the cost of producing animated videos is high, they can help countless people, and we offer the animations for free on our website and across social media
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) estimates that 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes annually. If each of those patients used Giving Assistant and raised $2.37 through their purchases, together they could fund an entire series!
WHAT IS NEXT FOR DRAWN FROM VALOR?
While we have several projects planned, we are currently focusing on The Tales of the Golden Acorn, a series of free animated short films being created to help educate and empower young people who are directly or indirectly impacted by trauma. The series focuses on the effects, issues, and strategies for living with trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a family setting.
While the subject matter is weighty and serious, the tales have been created specifically for young people – and are designed to bring the viewer on a journey of adventure and wonder as they learn.
Ultimately, the goal of Drawn from Valor is to empower families to transform their lives for the better regardless of the health challenges they may face. We hope that you’ll select us as your nonprofit of choice on Giving Assistant’s platform.
Earning cash back shouldn’t be rocket science. We know you want to save time and money. The Giving Assistant Button allows you to do just that! The button is a browser extension that conveniently brings cash back straight to you while you online shop. Receive alerts at checkout when cash back is available at over 3,000 major online brands like Home Depot, Forever 21, H&M, Gap, Macy’s and Sephora—no need to visit GivingAssistant.org first. Watch your cash back stack up right in the extension pop-up. What’s even more exciting is that you can choose to give a little to your favorite nonprofit, which will help us push forward our ultimate mission: transforming online shopping into charitable giving. Start watching your savings grow with major cash back and a sprinkle of good karma. Try it out, it’s 100% free! Now available on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.
Every year, between October 1 and October 31, breast cancer awareness is at an all-time high as people from all walks of life join forces to spread the word about the second most common cancer affecting American women. Statistics cite that about 1 in 8 females in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis for the disease over the course of a lifetime, which is what makes Breast Cancer Awareness Month such a significant campaign. The widespread actions that follow not only call attention to the importance of early detection and prevention, but also raise money for research and education.
Because of this, survival rates continue to soar, and cancer of the breast is now known as one of the most treatable forms of the disease.
In October, fundraising walks, runs and other events are held across the country, which provide much-needed support to charities and non-profit organizations at the forefront of finding a cure, assisting patients and their families, as well as educating the public.
As a shopper, you also have the ability to give to a good cause though the items you buy online. Giving Assistant is a platform that rewards you with a percentage back from the purchases you make when shopping your favorite brands. You can donate 1% to 100% of the cash back you earn towards supporting a breast cancer-focused nonprofit, just like the ones listed below:
Keep A Breast concentrates on helping young people from around the world reach a healthy level of confidence, physical self-awareness, and knowledge related to proactive prevention against breast cancer. The organization’s success has shined through in multiple initiatives and programs that include the “i love boobies!” campaign, the “Check Yourself! app,” and breast cast art exhibitions.
Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer has already connected more than 10,000 women to a “mother volunteer” who has already experienced the breast cancer fight with their daughter. The nonprofit makes every effort to ensure women affected by breast cancer have an individual support system, including access to help from those familiar with specific types of treatment, such as bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
The Breast Treatment Task Force fights on behalf of New York City residents that are without health insurance, and in need of diagnostic follow-ups and treatment for breast cancer. They also educate patients and assist them in finding adequate care through a variety of prevention programs, community referrals, and free mammogram screenings.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there’s plenty of ways to make a difference! Get out there and spread the word about mammograms, breast exams and early detection. Encourage friends and family to get checked out. Volunteer at local events. In this fight, all contributions in time, compassion and charitable donations go a long way.
Not all shoppers are created equal. Some have to deal with the daily grind of traffic-clogged commutes, crowded sidewalks, and making the most of their time within a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. All of these considerations have played a role in the recent brand relaunch and reimagined website of e-commerce game changer Jet. This Walmart-owned company is now placing more emphasis on addressing the distinct needs, style, and décor trends of consumers that live in major metro cities.
Jet’s rebrand aims to make online shopping an enjoyable, convenient experience that also provides offline services shaped by the unique characteristics of city-dwelling consumers.
Shop City Essentials and Curated Brands, All in One Place
Jet.com‘s overall site will transform into a hub of localized goods and services that include Home, Fashion, and Beauty favorites catering specifically to select metropolitan cities. Jet’s rebrand introduces a more personalized website experience, local grocery delivery, and partnerships that expand the grocery and fashion horizons of their customers.
And, it all starts with New York City, which kicks off the first of many city-specific sites soon to roll out over time. The customized site experience will feature iconic NYC details and an inventory filled with curated brands and Big Apple essentials that locals crave.
Shoppers will also have access to various smart, tech-driven features, such as Jet app voice activation and intuitive product recommendations that are based on a customer’s preferences and re-order needs. You can also use the app to keep track of Jet sale prices.
Groceries You Need, Delivered When You Want
City Grocery is another component of Jet’s new personalized shopping experience, which allows urban dwellers to tackle their entire shopping list in one shot.
For a small fee, a fulfillment center in the Bronx and the tech-enabled company, Parcel, will deliver groceries, everyday essentials and select goods to New York City residents within three-hour and next-day time frames.
Consumers will also be able to order some of their favorite local foods and beverages (like ice-cold craft beer). City Grocery has formed partnerships with neighborhood businesses, which means an unfulfilled Big Gay Ice Cream, Just Bagels, or Bedford Cheese Shop craving will no longer be an issue for residents.
Another perk with this service is being able to customize delivery options. So, if you need the doorman to keep your groceries safe for a few hours, Jet has you covered.
Fall Fashion Trends Have Arrived
Just in time for the new season, Jet has formed several select partnerships to keep their inventory well-stocked with an exclusive mix of local and top brands. Shop by trend, and you just might find your next pair of Doc Martens, grunge-inspired layers, or graphic T-shirts that really have something to say.
It also doesn’t hurt that Jet has joined forces with Nike to outfit your closet with footwear, apparel and accessories that amplifies a ‘just do it’ attitude. And, the products aren’t coming from any ol’ third-parties; Jet will offer a selection of specially curated goods straight from Nike that includes Converse gear as well. There will be plenty of running apparel, cross-trainers and sportswear for men, women and children that’ll have you winning this season in style.
Discover the Best in Beauty
Achieve the glowing skin, shiny locks, and traffic-stopping blended looks you desire with Jet’s lineup of top beauty brands and classic favorites. Brands, like Foreo, Art of Shaving, NYX, Aveeno, Neutrogena and Dr. Brandt, all share the spotlight with emerging indie standouts in skin care, cosmetics, grooming, bath and body care. Stock up on never-fail, go-to products. Explore premium brands you never knew existed. And, always keep an eye out for a Jet coupon code to snag the latest beauty must-haves for less.
Make Every Room Your Favorite
No more jumping through hoops and falling down the rabbit hole of room décor.
It’s now officially easier to bring style home with Jet, and make every space your favorite whether you’re shopping for a townhouse, one-bedroom, two-bedroom or studio apartment. Jet.com asks all the right questions to connect visitors with curated product recommendations that help personalize any space size.
To navigate the new-and-improved Home layout, you can:
Shop by room, when you know exactly which personal space you’d like to breathe life into, whether it’s a bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, home office or outdoor patio.
Shop by category, and zero in on specific items, like furniture, bedding, wall art, rugs, and appliances from the likes of Keurig, Cuisinart, Ninja, and KitchenAid.
Shop by style, to achieve an even more concentrated search with filters for mid-century, Boho, industrial and classic, transitional décor.
Jet not only makes online shopping more convenient with fast, local delivery options, but also offers free, two-day shipping on orders over $35. To keep up with current deals and discounts, downloading ourGiving Assistant Button is a must. It’ll also give you a heads up on the latest Jet promo code that you can use to make city living even more affordably convenient.
Before lululemon athletica became a standalone company with more than 300 locations worldwide to date, it operated as a single studio in Vancouver, Canada that split its identity between design and yoga. Founded by Chip Wilson in 1998, yoga continues to play a central role in the mission and philosophy of the company that’s brought us feather prints, sweat-wicking Energy Bras, ABC joggers for men, and global ambassadors that push us to reach our fullest potential. Like yoga, lululemon wishes to rejuvenate bodies, minds and lifestyles through the gear they sell, activities they encourage, and communities they help build.
lululemon loves to engage with customers. One of the company’s most endearing qualities is their commitment to establish connections that go beyond consumer-business transactions. With an investment of over $5.4 million (and growing), one way lululemon assists locals is by supporting 300 plus grassroots, non-profit partnerships that belong to their Here to Be social impact program. This community-based agenda works to increase the number of people who are able to enjoy free and/or affordable yoga and meditation.
Over time, more than 8,000 yoga mats have been donated through the Here to Be program. Organizations, such as Exhale to Inhale, I Grow Chicago, Yoga of 12 Step Recovery (Y12SR) and LoveYourBrain, benefited from grants ranging from $2,500 to $100,000 which have helped the sick and disabled; at-risk youth; survivors of violence and trauma; and others who face various obstacles in their lives.
lululemon is also a company that passionately goes beyond the positive social energy they radiate into the world. They’re also mindful of reducing their environmental impact; it’s just as important to them as helping people stay fit, informed and uplifted. With an eco-conscious mindset, the company’s energy use, carbon footprint and waste impact is monitored in an effort to create business policies that are healthier for everyone.
Another way lululemon reaches people is through their global ambassadors.
From group fitness sessions in San Francisco to dancing in Australia, lululemon supports an assortment of global ambassador programs led by elite athletes, sporting enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs. They come from all walks of life, and include the likes of personal trainers, runners, snowboarders, artists and musicians. Helping to spread the word and introduce people to lululemon’s core values, ambassadors encourage their communities to live their best life. Classes and events set up shop locally to provide healthy outlets for people exploring new ways to stay active, as well as to level up their strength training, dance moves, cycling endurance, Pilates, meditation, whitewater kayaking skills, and of course, yoga sessions.
lululemon’s original selection of goods solely focused on yoga wear for women. Nowadays, you can shop clothing and accessories for both men and women that accommodate all sorts of active pursuits. They’ve become masters of innovative athletic wear, churning out must-have performance shirts, shorts, pants, lifestyle apparel, footwear, and yoga essentials.
Today’s lululemon inventory is a reflection of their drive to transform solid research, forward-thinking creativity, and cutting-edge technology into ground-breaking products fueled by fashionably-functional designs and trailblazing fabrics. Rebound quicker from an intense studio class with fast-drying Everlux-made products. Don’t be afraid to sweat harder with Luxtreme, the four-way stretch fabric that’s cool to the touch and “fits like a second skin.” Lightweight Swift, water-repellent jackets provide just the right kind of cover for those who don’t let a few raindrops get in the way of their progress.
A few lululemon bestsellers for the ladies include Fast & Free crop pants and Play Off the Pleats skirts with fashionable side-slits. Men have been stocking up on updated 5 Year Basic Tees, Metal Vent Tech Polos, and City Sweat Pullover Hoodies.
When you shop a lululemon sale, you’ll save money on a wide range of activewear clothing and accessories that accommodate all types of weather and seasonal sports adventures, such as beach-ready yoga mats, earwarmers, Cross Chill Run Gloves, and the perforated Coastline Paddle Suit for swimming and snorkeling in eye-catching style. Another advantage you gain with every purchase – free shipping and free returns!
When shopping and using a lululemon coupon code from Giving Assistant, you’ll not only receive 5% cash back, but in turn, support a business that cares about the fitness, wellbeing and prosperity of consumers and their local communities.
And, if you haven’t already, don’t forget to download ourGiving Assistant Button so you can keep an eye out for the latest lululemon discount.
Strength in numbers will most likely serve as one of the most significant inspirational takeaways from Free People‘s upcoming, second annual #MovingTogether fitness festival. The lifestyle brand known for empowering women with fashion that helps amplify unique expressions of style continues its campaign to build and reinforce community ties using the energy of more than 150 of the brand’s pals. This year, the movement and its ticket holders will meet in New York City at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday, September 30th, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by activist, poet and influential speaker Cleo Wade, this #MovingTogether gathering is a charitable fitness event you won’t want to miss – all in the name of showing support for Free People’s nonprofit partnership with Girls, Inc. It’s a celebration of what can happen when you join forces with friends to get active and motivate one another. In the meantime, you’ll give back to the community and support a worthy organization – all while supporting the values and mission of the Free People brand.
Ticket sale proceeds and product purchases from the onsite pop up will add to the brand’s annual donation to Girls, Inc. A handful of girls from the local New York chapter have been invited to attend, and will represent at the event. The festivities are set to kick off with a warm up run led by Jessica Movold from Mile High Run Club in Brooklyn Bridge Park. DOGPOUND’S Dara Hart is sure to get hearts pumping with an invigorating HIIT class. Brush up on your hip-hop dance steps with a Queen Moves lesson. Relax and tune into Inscape’s guided meditation session. And all through the day, Cleo Wade aims to inspire the crowd with life lessons.
There will be a lot going on during the event, including opportunities to refuel with healthy, light bites and juices. The latest products from Free People Movement and Beauty and Wellness will also be on hand, which you can shop and give a new home. You’ll also have a chance to win a Free People beauty giveaway.
Check out Free People’s #MovingTogether 2017 with Girls, Inc.
What’s at the Heart of Free People?
Answering the call to provide an outlet for women who use fashion, music and art to ‘live free’ and truly express themselves, Free People is a specialty clothing brand that supplies females with the latest trends and exclusive vintage styles. Customers are able to complement their personality with high-quality activewear, intimates, outerwear, accessories and beauty finds that put femininity and creativity on full display. While chic boutiques, some of your favorite department stores, and standalone retail locations carry the Free People brand in the United States and Canada, shoppers can also browse a Free People sale online. Distribution of the brand reaches the United Kingdom, China, and many other parts of the world – delivering clothes and accessories that give off all the free-spirited bohemian vibes a woman needs.
How Can You Support Free People?
If you’re not in the New York City area, you can still show support for the Free People movement. 27 Free People store locations throughout the U.S. will celebrate #MovingTogether by hosting free workout classes on September 29th and 30th. Find a class near you!
Would rather support online? Online shoppers can use a Free People coupon code from Giving Assistant to shop something a little special like an oversized trucker denim jacket or pair of red vegan Cavalier boots. Your purchase also goes towards racking up to 6% cash back bonuses, and you can donate part of it or all to a charitable organization of your choice. There’s also a super convenient way to get a heads up on the newest Free People discounts, theGiving Assistant Button. Download it now if you haven’t already!
