On top of producing collections beloved by the NYC skate community, Grand has been conducting an annual food drive for the past four years. I was eager to hear a bit from Ben Oleynik about how he first started the practice, and why he continues it to this day.
"I always wanted the brand to do more than just make clothes or videos. Growing up in Canada, my parents always helped people who needed it, especially with food around the holidays. When I moved to New York, I saw how big of an issue food insecurity is, affecting over 2 million people," he tells me, adding: "Once Grand started to grow, we wanted to use the reach of the brand to help, so we launched the food drive and fundraiser four years ago. Each year it grows with more and more people getting involved. I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported each year."
For the Winter Collection debut earlier this year, Oleynik hosted a runway show to coincide with the drive, donating a portion of the proceeds from the collection's sales towards feeding New Yorkers in need. In addition to the proceeds from the sales, Oleynik asked attendees of the runway show to bring non-perishable food items to donate. From now until Dec 31st, a portion of the proceeds from all sales on grandcollectionco.com will go to the same cause.
Now, the partnership with END. is the first time Grand has extended the food fundraiser outside of New York. 100% of the proceeds from this partnership with the UK retailer will go to London-based food banks.
