#United States #Walmart #Bentonville #Big Brothers Big Sisters #Dove

Dove and Walmart's Youth Empowerment Partnership

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Dove, Walmart, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) unveiled a new back-to-school initiative designed to empower youth through mentorship and education. From July 1st through August 31st, Dove will donate 5 cents for every Dove or Dove Men+Care product sold at Walmart to BBBSA, with a goal to raise between $200,000 and $250,000 in total. This partnership represents a significant step towards fostering self-esteem and confidence among students as they head into a new academic year.

The Back-to-School Events

The initiative includes a series of community events at select Walmart locations throughout August, aptly themed around youth mentorship. Kicking off the events on August 1st in Bentonville, Arkansas, these gatherings aim to engage students and their families in activities that highlight the importance of mentorship in developing confidence and self-worth. Activities include:

• - Meet and greets with Bigs (mentors) and Littles (mentees)
• - Inspiration from on-site influencers, known as ‘Confidence Coaches’
• - Interactive exhibits like the “Picture Your Potential” photo experience
• - Goal-setting opportunities at the Vision Wall
• - Free Dove product samples and confidence-building resources

Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA, emphasized the vital role that mentorship plays in empowering young individuals, stating, “When young people have champions in their corner, they feel seen, build confidence, and are empowered to reach their full potential.” He underscored that this initiative aims to not only support students as they transition back to school but also foster lasting relationships.

Dove, recognized globally as a leader in self-esteem education, has made significant strides over the years with its Self-Esteem Project, which has impacted over 130 million young individuals worldwide. Javeria Rehman, Chief Growth Officer of Dove North America, highlighted the commitment to help young people realize their potential and the invaluable role of community partnerships, saying, “We're proud to expand that mission alongside our partners in communities across the country.”

Event Schedule

The scheduled events run throughout August at various Walmart locations, including:

• - August 1: First Friday Event – Bentonville, AR
• - August 2: Walmart Supercenter – Rogers, AR
• - August 9: Walmart Supercenter – Franklin, TN
• - August 16: Walmart Supercenter – Ledgewood, NJ
• - August 23: Walmart Supercenter – Miami Gardens, FL

Parents and children looking to participate can find further details and sign up for mentorship opportunities through the official BBBSA website.

A Commitment to Youth Development

Dove’s collaboration with Walmart and BBBSA illustrates a shared commitment to creating supportive environments for youth. Walmart has long been a crucial part of local communities, offering platforms for connection and resources amidst the daily lives of families. By facilitating this partnership, the organizations are coming together to address the needs of young people during a critical time in their development.

Big Brothers Big Sisters boasts over a century of experience in youth mentoring, working to foster positive outcomes, such as educational success and improved relationships. Their local agencies serve all 50 states, paving the way for life-changing experiences through mentorship.

This partnership not only highlights the significance of community engagement in shaping the futures of young Americans but also sets a course for ongoing collaborations that seek to empower and uplift youth nationwide.

For anyone interested in becoming a mentor, or to learn more about the initiative, please visit: BBBS Website and Dove at Walmart.