Page 53 - AmericasMart: Market Magazine July 2017

CREATURE COMFORTS
Beyond the name of the company itself, another strong clue that Bears for Humanity is committed to doing something good for the world is the title of the man at the helm: Chief Giver and CEO Vijay Prathap. Each time one of the fuzzy creatures is purchased, an additional bear finds its way into the arms of a child in need.
Yet that happy ending is only part of the story. As its website explains, “From farm to fulfillment, our plush toys are made using only 100 percent GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards) certified organic materials and Global Fair Trade practices, while employing at-risk women from Welfare-to-Work programs right here in the United States.”
The birth of Bears for Humanity started with the birth of Prathap’s twins. His wife was concerned about exposing her babies to the chemicals found in plush toys made of polyester fabric, which is treated with fire retardants containing heavy metals. She knew little ones are inclined to chomp on their toy companions and embarked on a quest to find a bear made of organic materials. To her dismay, she could find none available that were commercially produced.
The quest transformed into a successful business endeavor.
Last year, the company gave away a million dollars worth of bears. How do buyers know the toys are going to a legitimate charity?
If they place an order for at least 50, they can specify the
receiving organization. Some 90 percent of customers choose
the charity and the company partners with other reputable organizations like Toys for Tots, Semper Fi Fund and Save the Children to distribute others to deserving kids.
“We are engaged in social commerce,” says Prathap. “We are a company that brings a whole lot of good to the community in every aspect of our business. We love what we do.”
His commitment to doing the right thing is laudable. Last December, following the Smokey Mountain fires, a Tennessee real estate professional purchased hundreds of bears to give to the children of families who had lost everything. The day before the church event when the toys were supposed to be distributed, the shipment hadn’t arrived. She placed a call to Prathap, who discovered a truck was stuck in California. He contacted the shipping giant’s executives and together they brainstormed a solution that resulted in a special delivery by 8:30 a.m. the next morning—with an extra 450 bears thrown in for good measure.
“Our actions,” says Prathap, “speak louder than our words.”
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