Our teams in the U.S. and Canada have the opportunity to participate in associate-led Community Involvement Committees (CICs) that build meaningful relationships with local nonprofit organizations and create opportunities for associates to support the communities where we work and live through grantmaking and volunteerism.
In 2009, The PVH Foundation established the first CIC to manage local nonprofit partnerships and organize associate engagement and volunteer opportunities. In the last ten years, additional CICs have been created across our regions and brands, for a total of five groups. The CICs partner with more than 30 nonprofit organizations, addressing the local needs of the communities where our offices are located.
PVH associates organize, lead, and participate in programming and volunteering year-round with these organizations. We have organized donation events for Dress for Success, cooked dinner for families at the Ronald McDonald House, built homes for Habitat for Humanity, tutored students at the Midland School’s Patricia Murphy Work Center, volunteered at fashion shows and family outings with SNACK (Special Needs Activity Center for Kids and Adults), and organized food packages for families at the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Dedicated leadership teams have run these CICs for years and experienced first-hand the rewards of giving back.
“The ability to help improve the lives of those in need, and seeing the reactions from those we are helping, and their sincere appreciation for us to support them is the greatest reward,” said David Sirkin, Group President, Heritage Brands.
“When we have the opportunity to spend time with the organizations, you really feel good about having had a role in connecting those that want to give with those that are in need! I have been thrilled to be able to take part and look forward to seeing the results that are achieved as we move forward,” said Sam Sperrazza, President, Heritage Retail.
“Being with like-minded associates who are also driven by the desire to create positive change in local communities, connecting with associates from other departments who you would not normally interact with on a day-to-day basis, and seeing first hand that your contributions, whether it be donating your time or resources, is truly making a difference to those around you,” said Isabel Huang, HR Specialist, Talent Management, PVH Canada.
Even with the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic, CICs have continued to find ways to give back to our communities by sustaining financial support and creating virtual volunteering opportunities. The PVH New Jersey CIC organized a virtual food drive and financially adopted families at the Ronald McDonald House. The Tommy Hilfiger New York CIC organized a virtual “Gift Giving” tree where associates were able to provide gifts for over 100 children, teens, and seniors through the Hudson Guild.
Looking forward to this coming year, PVH CIC’s are continuing to evolve our volunteer strategies with the times, committed to creating positive change in the communities where we work and live. We plan to organize more virtual events like mentoring high school students, hosting calls with the elderly, and organizing virtual auctions. Although we are hindered by the restrictions of the pandemic, times like these are when help is most needed, and PVH is committed to providing that support.