TORONTO, Feb. 29,
2024 /CNW/ - Global lifestyle brand, Roots
Corporation ("Roots," or the "Company") (TSX: ROOT), is proud
to partner with BlackNorth Initiative (BNI), to join
their "Athletes on Track" program as a sponsor for the 2024-2025
year. "Athletes on Track" is a bursary and mentorship
program designed to financially support university student-athletes
and supply them with the tools necessary to enter, and thrive in,
the job market once they graduate. The initiative consists of a
bursary, which will be awarded to two Black student-athletes. A
mentor is also provided to each student by BNI for support in
general skill development, along with career path guidance based on
their area of studies.
As a proud Canadian company, Roots has a long-standing tradition
of celebrating athletics and youth in Canada. The partnership with
BlackNorth Initiative is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity,
and inclusion within Canadian businesses and eliminating systemic
barriers that adversely impact Black Canadians. Roots will expand
their involvement in this initiative as part of their aim to
broaden their positive influence on Black youth and
professionals.
"We're delighted to strengthen our partnership with Roots,
supporting the "Athletes on Track" Program," says Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO of BlackNorth Initiative.
"This collaboration highlights our mutual commitment to empowering
Black student-athletes in Canada
with financial support and mentorship. It's a step forward in
promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, paving the way for
these athletes to excel in sports and their future
careers.''
Roots donation program, Roots Cares, supports various
organizations within the communities in which Roots operates.
Through Roots Cares, the brand will support the "Athletes on Track"
initiative, which will continue to build a positive impact on
Canadian Black youth in athletics. An original signatory of
BlackNorth Initiative in 2020, Roots also signed the CEO pledge, a
commitment to actively work toward the removal of anti-Black
systemic barriers that are negatively affecting the lives of Black
Canadians in the workplace. The pledge also acknowledges the
existence of anti-Black racism and its impact on Canada's Black communities, and the need to
create opportunities within a company for Black people.
"I'm thrilled to extend our commitment to fostering diversity,
equity, and inclusion, reinforcing that representation is key to
collective success. Together, we empower Black youth in athletics,
breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and
vibrant Canadian future," shares President & CEO of Roots
Corporation, Meghan Roach.
To learn more about Roots Cares, please visit
roots.com/ca/en/roots-cares, and to learn more about BlackNorth
Initiative and their programs, please visit
blacknorth.ca/programs.
ABOUT BLACKNORTH INITIATIVE
The BlackNorth Initiative is on a mission to end anti-Black
systemic racism throughout all aspects of our lives by utilizing a
business-first mindset. We are committed to the removal of
anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the lives of
Black Canadians. For more information, visit https://blacknorth.ca/
and follow us on social media @blacknorthca.
ABOUT ROOTS
Established in 1973, Roots is a global lifestyle brand. Starting
from a small cabin in northern Canada, Roots has become a global brand with
over 100 corporate retail stores in Canada, two stores in the United States, and an eCommerce platform,
www.roots.com, that serves over 55 international markets. We have
more than 100 partner-operated stores in Asia, and we also operate a dedicated
Roots-branded storefront on Tmall.com in China. We design, market, and sell a broad
selection of products in different departments, including women's,
men's, children's, and gender-free apparel, leather goods,
footwear, and accessories. Our products are built with
uncompromising comfort, quality, and style that allows you to feel
at home with nature. We offer products designed to meet life's
everyday adventures and provide you with the versatility to live
your life to the fullest. We also wholesale through
business-to-business channels and license the brand to a select
group of licensees selling products to major retailers. Roots
Corporation is a Canadian corporation doing business as "Roots" and
"Roots Canada". For more information, visit www.roots.com and
follow Roots on social media@roots.
Media Inquiries:
Marta Sadowski, Sundae Creative
Agency
marta@sundae-creative.com
Shelton Mpala
Associate Director of Strategic Communications
BlackNorth Initiative
437-997-7110
smpala@blacknorth.ca
SOURCE Roots