Charity Spotlight: SAVES by B
by Marie Mannino March 4th, 2012 at 11:39 AM
SAVES by B is a sneaker company with heart founded by 16-year-old New York native Ben Charles. For every pair of SAVES by B sneakers purchased, a child in need in Africa, South America or the United States receives a pair as well. SAVES by B's non-profit partners include Hoops 4 Hope and K.I.D.S. ShoesTV sat down with Charles to learn all about his company.
Ben Charles, left, with rapper PAYPA and Ben's brother Zack.
ShoesTV: You just launched your website. How is it going so far?
BC: So far its been going great actually. I’m just trying to get things going, it’s a lot of work. My school and the community are great, they always encourage charity and giving. I’m Jewish and they believe in charity because you never know when you’ll need something.
ShoesTV: What inspired you to create SAVES by B?
BC: I just remember seeing a picture of this young kid, about nine or ten, and he didn’t have any shoes. I just thought, wow I’m really fortunate. I have a basketball sneaker, a tennis sneaker and a hangout sneaker and this kid had probably never had a sneaker. I brought the idea to my parents, they loved it and so I decided to start this company.
ShoesTV: So did you have any help with the design? What do the colors and logo mean for you?
BC: I did it all myself. I figured everyone could wear a white shoe that would go with everything. The colors that I chose were universal. I figured I would keep the same design for everyone whether they’re receiving or buying a pair; so it gives everyone the same opportunity. You won’t know who is donating or receiving them.
SAVES by B sneakers feature two hands stretching towards one another.
ShoesTV: Tell me about the logo.
BC: The hands show someone giving and someone reaching out. The hands are never touching, there’s always a little space between them because I’m never going to know the person I donate to [and vice-versa].
The SAVES by B logo.
ShoesTV: Have you had any big name’s wearing the sneaker?
BC: We’re still looking for someone to wear the sneaker. It’s tough but if someone see’s Kim Kardashian wearing the shoe they’ll see she cares, she thinks they’re cool. They’ll want a pair too.