Melo Villareal
AirAsia Foundation selected Rags2Riches as its first social enterprise grant recipient in the Philippine. Rags2Riches Inc., is an award-winning Manila-based social enterprise that empowers artisans and creates opportunities for them to earn fair wages.
AirAsia Foundation selected Rags2Riches as its first Grant Recipient
AirAsia Foundation selected Rags2Riches as its first Grant Recipient
Rags2Riches will receive US$13,275 to fund the training of 100 new artisans to produce eco-ethical fashion and home accessories using upcycled scrap cloth, organic material and indigenous fabrics. The artisans, who come mainly from underprivileged communities in the Philippines, will participate in skills upgrade, design improvement and knowledge exchange workshops at the Rags2Riches Artisan Academy over a 12-month period.
Rags2Riches Products
In addition, Rags2Riches artisans will gain unique access to the ASEAN market though a new partnership with AirAsia Megastore that will see products from the artisans being sold on board AirAsia’s flights. Starting July 7, two exclusively designed Rags2Riches bags, a wristlet and a foldable beach bag, will be available on all AirAsia flights originating in the Philippines and Malaysia. In every product sale, 30% or the proceeds will be donated to AirAsia Foundation.
Rags2Riches Artisans
AirAsia Philippines CEO Marianne Hontiveros added, “The partnership between AirAsia Megastore and Rags2Riches gives us a unique opportunity to support a home-grown social enterprise while offering our guest desirable items that are not available anywhere else. It is perfect for showcasing the quality of Filipino handmade products.”
Rags2Riches is represented by Reese Fernandez-Ruiz – the founder-partner and CEO or the organization. The organization was established in 2007 in Payatas, one of the Philippines largest dumpsite and home to a half a million people.
At present, the organization has trained over 800 artisans across 21 communities in the Philippines. The company also cemented its appeal through successful collaborations with influential fashion designers including Rajo Laurel, Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Oliver Tolentino.
Founded in 2012 , AirAsia Foundation is the philharmonic arm of the AirAsia Group entrusted to share the company’s values of entrepreneurship, equal opportunity and innovation throughout ASEAN. Under its charter, the Foundation is mandated to support social enterprises as a way of empowering underprivileged individuals and to enable them to build sustainable livelihoods. Through its work, the Foundation is committed to helping build an ASEAN Community of the future.
