Protege®, the affordable footwear and apparel collection available exclusively at Kmart® and Kmart.com, takes its “giveback” philosophy one step further with the Protege Movement, a social campaign featuring a public service pledge championed by Roger Mason, Jr. (New York Knicks) and Deion Branch (New England Patriots).
Declaring September “Protege Month,” the campaign’s Protege Pledge aims to rally young men to give back to their communities. Fans can sign in digitally on the Protege Facebook Page. The campaign will live online through a website displaying the Pledge, along with videos and links to the brand’s Facebook and Twitter pages. On Sept. 2, from 12 p.m. — 2 p.m. EDT, Mason Jr. and Branch will tweet live utilizing the hashtag #protegemvp, to discuss the Pledge and ways to give back.
“Growing up, I’m thankful to have been surrounded by great male role models,” said Roger Mason, Jr. “I’m proud to be a part of the Protege Movement, to help guide the next generation.”
In addition to the Pledge, Kmart will donate $1 for each eligible pair of Protege shoes purchased through Dec. 31. The proceeds will be split equally between the Amateur Athletic Union of America (AAU) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with a minimum donation of $100,000 to each charity. Protege is also a sponsor of the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend, engaging over 100 African American men each weekend.
“Since the launch of the Protege brand, our team has been committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” said Nick Grayston, president of Kmart’s footwear division. “And now through the Protege Movement, we have a great opportunity to help encourage young people to make a difference, and continue to support the message of giving back.”
