Born Primitive's Commitment to Veterans
In an extraordinary display of support for military veterans, Born Primitive, a veteran-owned apparel and footwear company, recently announced that they have surpassed a monumental $11 million in medical debt relief for America’s heroes. Originally setting a target of $5 million during their Veterans Day campaign, the company exceeded expectations by more than doubling that figure, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of their customers.
The campaign commenced on November 7, coinciding with National Veterans Day, aiming to raise awareness about the significant financial hardships many veterans face. All profits from the 96-hour campaign were dedicated to covering these veterans’ medical expenses. As Bear Handlon, co-founder and CEO of Born Primitive, noted, he had numerous conversations with veterans whose lives were transformed by this initiative. These stories emphasized how such acts of kindness could restore not just financial stability but also faith in humanity.
The Power of Customer Participation
The support from customers was crucial in helping Born Primitive reach its initial goal. Customers rallied behind the brand during the campaign, which mirrored a collective effort to give back to those who served the nation. This community involvement inspired Born Primitive to raise the goal to $11 million, ensuring that even more veterans could experience financial relief.
As Handlon, a former Navy SEAL himself, stated, their customer base provided the platform necessary to make significant social impacts, which he referred to as the “right thing to do.” This endeavor signifies a powerful reminder of how communities can unite to support their members during challenging times.
A Partnership with ForgiveCo
To facilitate this considerable debt relief, Born Primitive collaborated with ForgiveCo, an organization dedicated to alleviating financial distress through unknown acts of kindness. This partnership allowed the brand to identify eligible veterans seamlessly, eliminating cumbersome application processes entirely.
Craig Antico, founder and CEO of ForgiveCo, highlighted the transformative nature of this collaboration. By directly notifying veterans of their debt forgiveness, rather than sending out collection notices, the campaign provided a life-altering message of hope, steering many away from despair. Thousands of military families received heartwarming letters signifying their relief, replacing previous collections efforts with appreciation and gratitude.
Symbolizing Patriotism Through Limited-Edition Products
One of the campaign’s compelling features was the launch of limited-edition designs of Born Primitive’s signature Savage 1 Training Shoe, specifically created to honor this cause. The
Betsy Ross Edition and the
Don't Tread On Me Edition celebrated American history and conveyed messages of freedom and solidarity.
These new designs not only encapsulated a sense of patriotism but also became symbols of the campaign, reminding Americans that while freedom is not free, the support for veterans shouldn’t come with barriers or hesitation. During the campaign, every product sold contributed to their ambitious debt relief cause while also showcasing the resilience and unity of the American people.
Continuing the Legacy
Born Primitive's Veterans Day campaign is part of a continual journey of lending a helping hand to those who have served. Since its inception in 2014, the brand has contributed more than $2 million towards fundraising efforts aimed at benefiting veterans, first responders, and cancer prevention initiatives. As Handlon reflects on their remarkable success, he notes that it was only possible through the unyielding support from their customers, reminding everyone of the power of community, particularly during the holiday season.
With aspirations set on future initiatives that further their mission of aiding veterans and inspiring other Americans, Born Primitive is committed to leveraging their platform for greater social impact. Visit their website at
www.bornprimitive.com to learn more about their offerings and support this remarkable cause as they continue to create waves in community support and social responsibility.