EVOLVE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
At Evolve, we develop special collections to support small-scale social and environmental projects. We have direct experience with the projects we support, so not only do we get motivation and inspiration for our designs, but a deeper understanding of the challenges facing these initiatives, and a much stronger connection to their work. The first Special Collection we have created, called Wildlife Watchesaims to support conservation and welfare initiatives for the critically endangered Bornean & Sumatran orangutans.
Why Conservation & Orangutans?
Working to help protect endangered animals and their habitats in the not-for-profit sector was hugely rewarding, but aspects of it were also frustrating. Considering the lobbying power of palm oil, mining firms, & paper & pulp industries over government officials and consumers, NGOs are often fighting a losing battle, despite their passion and dedication. For my part, I spent way too much time writing endless grant proposals & reports for typically small sums of money. To me, it seemed logical for NGOs to develop their own profit making arms, from which they could support their own activities and provide longer-term financial security for their work. Greater financial independence means more freedom to address the conservation priorities that matter most, without having your goals watered down by external interests. I also think that businesses should be more proactive in supporting small NGOs with unbureaucratic donations that didn’t add work to already overburdened staff. Wildlife Watches is my attempt to disrupt this status quo, by targeting small but highly effective NGOs, that I know to be doing the best work on the ground.
