For our 2024 Global Earth Day initiative, Kinnect partnered with urban farms and gardens to cultivate a greener tomorrow. Kith retail teams were able to come together Internationally, to nurture local ecosystems and foster a sense of community in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Paris and Tokyo.
In New York City, we partnered with Harlem Grown; an NYC based nonprofit organization, that opens and operates local urban farms to increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents and provided farm-based development programs to Harlem youth. Kith HQ and Kith Retail staff engaged in hydroponic planting, composting and preparing their garden and greenhouse for future growth alongside the Harlem Grown team. Local residents will be able to enjoy the foods planted on this day, further inspiring the community to live healthy lives.
In Miami, we partnered with the Little Lighthouse Foundation; a nonprofit organization that assists underserved children and their families throughout South Florida. Kith retail teams from both our South Beach and Miami Design District locations educated the children about hydroponics, guiding them through the process. The event began with a lesson on hydroponic planting, which then led to actual hydroponic planting. The team concluded the event by breaking up into smaller groups and reading books with the children. This lesson impacted the youth by raising food security and health awareness, along with environmental awareness. Through this initiative, we were also able to provide an opportunity for the children to connect to nature through hands-on learning.
In Los Angeles, we teamed up with Grow Good, an organization committed to growing food, creating jobs and providing nature-based mindfulness programs. Our LA team assisted in farm preparation and planting basil, chard, and cucumbers for upcoming harvests. This farm in particular supplies the Salvation Army kitchen, which serves those who are currently housed in the area. The farm also provides produce directly from their onsite greenhouse, to local farmer's markets. Our LA teams were able to directly impact and support the community through this initiative.
In Hawaii, our collaboration with Healthy Climate Communities aimed to restore Hamakua Gardens, nurturing an environment conducive to plant growth. Our team worked alongside the Healthy Climate Communities staff to plant trees and weed native plants, improving their chances of survival. We were also able to make a monetary donation towards their education programs and the purchase of trees and supplies to further support their mission.
In Paris, we joined forces with Cambrousse Atelier; an environmental education and development organization, that aims to raise awareness and awaken curiosity about the issues our society faces. Our team came together and helped prepare the Cambrousse Atelier garden for new growth. By assisting with gardening, we were able to propose different behaviors and other life perspectives linked to respecting the environment. This invites everyone to become aware of their surroundings and common responsibility to take care of the Earth.
In Tokyo, we joined forces with The Lifestyle Research Institute of Forests to plant tulip beds in Yoyogi Park, contributing to the city's green spaces. This activity was particularly special because these flower beds were located fairly close to our Kith Tokyo retail location. It was a direct contribution to the community that our retail space sits in.
The Kinnect Foundation is proud to have celebrated Earth Day this way alongside Kith, because it was a great opportunity to create a global impact through community building. These communities amplify food security by contributing to local food production and ensuring access to fresh produce. Therefore, this year’s initiative in turn enhances the lives of local residents.
We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team members for their commitment and support. Our hope is to inspire others to invest in our planet and nurture the world we call home.
