Business Notes | June 24
June 24, 2022 | By Waterbury Roundabout Darn Tough launches socks to battle hunger
Darn Tough Vermont has begun making a new collection of socks whose proceeds will support the Vermont Foodbank.
The Knit to Give sock design is available only online. Photo courtesy Darn Tough
Each quarter, the new Knit to Give Collection will offer a new online-exclusive sock style created using overstock yarn, which is excess material from the knitting mills in Northfield and Waterbury, the company explained in its announcement.
The program will put into production leftover materials to reduce waste while funding more food supplies that the foodbank can distribute throughout its statewide network.
“Our commitment to the state of Vermont and our local community is a huge part of who we are as a brand,” said company President and CEO Ric Cabot. “Knit to Give is the next step in both our sustainability efforts by allowing customers a way to directly support the community – bringing awareness to food insecurity.”
Along with these quarterly releases, Darn Tough will continue its ongoing support of the Vermont Foodbank on Giving Tuesday each November. Darn Tough has been supporting the Vermont Foodbank since 2003, having started with turkey donations for the holidays. By 2017, the company shifted to donating 100% of its online proceeds from Giving Tuesday to the Foodbank. In November 2021, the company’s contribution had reached the equivalent of funding more than 1,000,000 meals.
Find the new socks and learn about Darn Tough’s efforts to support the Vermont Foodbank HERE.
Where’s Waldo in Waterbury?
Nearly two dozen local businesses will participate in a giant game of Where’s Waldo during the month of July.
Image courtesy Bridgeside Books
Organized by Bridgeside Books, the game will ask local shoppers to find the iconic children’s book character in the red-and-white-striped shirt, cap, and glasses throughout the community.
The Find Waldo Local game has been around for 10 years and was created by publisher Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association to promote independent bookstores and support other businesses. Martin Handford’s collections of crowd scenes with the Waldo character deftly hidden have become a bookstore staple since the late 1980s with more than 78 million copies sold worldwide and more than 30 language translations.
To participate in the Waterbury version of the game, pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Waterbury!” stamp card at Bridgeside Books or at any of the participating businesses. With each Waldo spotted, the card-holder must get their card stamped or signed at the business.
Find and document at least 10 Waldo sightings to receive a discount coupon and a Waldo temporary tattoo. Those who show that they found 20 or more Waldos get entered into a grand-prize drawing for Waldo books, paraphernalia, and other prizes from area businesses.
No purchase is necessary. To be entered into the prize drawings, stamped cards must be turned in at Bridgeside Books by July 31. A party will be held on Aug. 3 from 3-5 p.m. for participants and to award prizes.
Look for Waldo at most downtown shops and cafes as well as businesses around town including Evergreen Gardens, Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea, and True Value Hardware. Bicycle Express and Aubuchon Hardware are on the list along with Zachary’s Pizza, Waterbury Public Library, and Pack and Send Plus.
The full list of participating businesses (a.k.a. Waldo hiding spots) is online at bridgesidebooks.com.