American Apparel Launches New Pencils of Promise Collection to Support Literacy in Developing Countries

MONTREAL, November 14, 2017 /3BL Media/ - American Apparel has launched a capsule collection  of hoodies, t-shirts and bags in support of Pencils of Promise (POP) to fund the construction of schools and provide support for teachers in developing nations. POP is a US-based not-for-profit organization that works to increase access to education and raise global awareness of child illiteracy as there are 250 million children worldwide who lack basic reading, writing and math skills.

“We are a proud supporter of Pencils of Promise, who have already helped over 70,000 students to gain access to quality education through infrastructure projects and literacy programming,” said Mike Hoffman, President, Gildan’s Printwear division, owner of the American Apparel^® brand. “As the surest path out of poverty, education opens up possibilities for these children to move towards a better life and a more hopeful future. It is one of the most powerful weapons that we can use to change the world.”

With the message ‘250 million kids can’t read this’, American Apparel’s new capsule collection represents a commitment of U.S. $200,000 to build new educational infrastructure, improve classroom environments and provide support for teachers. The goal of this initiative is to foster a conversation around the need for better quality education, inciting consumers to take a position on child literacy and become passionate about increasing children’s opportunities for a brighter future.

The collaboration between American Apparel and Pencils of Promise is designed to raise awareness and support for child literacy, inspiring generations of globally conscious and impact-oriented consumers to help students in developing countries have the same access to quality education that they received. 

About Gildan
Gildan is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality branded basic family apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear, socks, hosiery, and shapewear. The Company sells its products under a diversified portfolio of company-owned brands, including the Gildan®, Gold Toe®, Anvil®, Comfort Colors®, American Apparel®, Alstyle®, Secret®, Silks®, Kushyfoot®, Secret Silky®, Peds®, MediPeds®, and Therapy Plus™ brands. Sock products are also distributed through the Company’s exclusive U.S. sock license for the Under Armour® brand, and a wide array of products are also marketed through a global license for the Mossy Oak® brand. The Company's products are sold in two primary markets, namely the printwear and retail markets. The Company distributes its products in printwear markets in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. In retail markets, the Company sells its products to a broad spectrum of retailers primarily in the U.S. and Canada and also manufactures for select leading global athletic and lifestyle consumer brands.

Gildan owns and operates vertically-integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, North America, and Bangladesh. These facilities are strategically located to efficiently service the quick replenishment needs of Gildan's customers. With over 48,000 employees worldwide Gildan operates with a strong commitment to industry-leading labour and environmental practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive corporate social responsibility program embedded in the Company's long-term business strategy. More information about the Company and its corporate citizenship practices and initiatives can be found at www.gildancorp.com and www.genuinegildan.com, respectively.

Media Inquiries:
Garry Bell
Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Communications
(514) 744-8600
gbell@gildan.com