The Hustle Boxer was made with movement in mind. These athletic poly-spandex boxers have it all and more! You will feel supported wherever you go as these performance boxers are here to support your goods in all situations!
With a poly-spandex that wicks sweat, semi-compression fit and patented crossover poach, you better believe that these boxers will spot you throughout your busy life. With anti-chafing inner thigh panel that is durable and flexible, these 6" inseam boxers will not budge making them the perfect partner for all your activities.
The flatlock stitching and fitted bottom seam is designed for movement, comfort and style. No more adjusting, rubbing, and the always subtle leg shake! Last but not least, our patent pending crossover front pocket design and fitted bottom seam, ensures that your goods feel secure.
With our Hustle Boxers, you do not have to worry about going to work in just your underwear! These stylish boxers will get you through the Hustle and support you in ways your good friends cannot!
"Life changing! Absolutely incredible product. I am a big guy with thick thighs and these boxers fit amazingly. I wear them to work and the gym and they are so comfortable! I used to feel squished and uncomfortable in my other boxers and these have saved the day. Very well made! Would recommend it to anyone." - Mitchell
"If you're on the move, want the comfort of a king and the feeling of pure luxury on your nuts........... you'd be nuts not to order a week's worth. Excellent product. My balls thank you Devan + Lang Apparel :-)" - L.G.
"Wow! I'm no underwear expert, but I know what feels good. Did lots of hiking on holidays in Oregon this summer and I could tell the difference when wearing the Devon + Lang Boxer Briefs. They get my 5-star rating!" - Ron
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As we are returning back to life before COVID-19, does that mean we should ditch our masks completely? We think that there is still a space in the world for masks. Let's explore some ways to use our face masks and keep them from filling up our landfills!
3-Layer Reusable Mask: Cobalt
3-Layer Reusable Mask w/ Removable Nose Wire: Forest Green
For more information about wearing masks after the pandemic check out this article here and here.
At the end of the day, it is your decision whether or not to wear a face mask. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change, Devon + Lang will continue to have face masks and PM2.5 filters available for you.
Whether you are walking around the neighbourhood or going on a 6-hour hike, your feet deserve the best. Devon + Lang has been working on our Step-Up Tab Socks for over a year and we are so thrilled to finally get them on your feet!
While designing this sock, we wanted to create a product that focused on everyday issues that sock wearers deal with:
You are walking around like everything is fine… But deep down in your shoe, your sock is slipping off… So… NO, everything is not fine.
This is probably one of the most annoying things ever! Especially when you are out enjoying a hike and you have to stop what you are doing to take off your entire boot just to pull up your sock. This gets to you, deep down in your sole (heh heh, sock pun).
The D+L Step Up Tab sock is designed with an anti-slip ankle tab to prevent this exact scenario while protecting your heels from blisters and chafing.
You come home after a couple of hours of intense badminton and you cannot wait to take off your shoes + put your feet up. Once you do, you realize that the heel and balls of your feet are entirely torn up because you are a bada** badminton player, but your socks just can’t keep up.
The bottom of your feet work hardest through your daily activities. To show some extra love, we added padding specifically to cushion the heel and balls of your feet. Now you’re walking on tiny pillows.
You are at dinner with that special someone, and afterwards, you invite them over. Little do they know, you were sweating in your shoes the entire evening because of your nerves. Now you are home, you take off your shoes… and you are greeted with an unpleasant odor. Your date smiles and says they have to go. Now you are alone with your smelly socks.
Let’s be honest, feet are kind of weird and smelly. D+L’s Step-Up Tab Socks are a foot’s best friend because every pair is infused with a silver-ion solution that will help keep your feet fresh for any sock-only situations.
For all of life’s scenarios, D+L’s Step-Up Tab Socks are here for you and your adventures. Your feet are so important, so show them some love with socks that hug like a friend. ]]>
As summer is fast approaching, we are all eager to hop on a plane to visit family, friends, or explore a new place!
Devan + Claudia have been working + traveling quite a bit during the pandemic + wanted to share their story with us. Travelling can be hectic + stressful at times + if you factor in a pandemic, it is important to protect yourself + your travel companions. Here is how Devon + Lang's face masks help keep Devan + Claudia safe during their travels.
"Wearing masks this last year has been and interesting habit to learn but using Devon and Lang masks has made it so much easier.
Both my wife and have very sensitive skin that would easily get irritated wearing the disposable clothing masks especially for long periods of time. That is why we decided to try out Devon and Lang (especially since I have become a HUGE fan of their men’s underwear).
Back in December we had to spend the entire month travelling in the US for work. This meant 3 different states, 6 airline flights, and countless hours working in between. During this time we are required to wear masks and the Devon + Lang masks performed flawlessly! The skin on our faces was never irritated, they were extremely breathable and comfortable during our long flights and long work days and they actually kept our faces cool.
I would 100% recommend getting a Devon + Lang mask! The quality is top notch, they are comfortable, and they actually fit perfectly with their various sizes.
Also, if you end up going to Disney World you are required to wear a mask the entire time. THESE are the masks you want and need!"
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Devon + Lang apparel strives to craft durable + long-lasting garments that can keep up with any lifestyle. As a company, we looked at keeping our garments in your closets longer, therefore, out of our landfills. We intentionally design our collections to be stylish, durable, + comfortable, keeping the environmental impact at the forefront of our minds on all levels.
Devon + Lang recognizes the impact that the fashion industry has on our planet as an apparel company. We have made it a priority to address this issue and find alternatives to reduce our textile waste.
Devon + Lang is finding ways to be more efficient while reducing the amount of waste we create. The materials, packaging + styles of our apparel are three areas where we can find ways to be more eco-friendly.
All Devon + Lang Face Masks and Journey Boxers are made with modal, a beechwood fabric that uses 20x less water in processing than cotton. In addition to reducing the amount of water modal uses, it is also a softer, stretchier + more durable fabric. Devon + Lang maximized the utility of this fabric by incorporating intelligent designs that will not leave you hanging.
Packaging is another significant contributor to the amount of waste found in our environment. Early this year (2021), Devon + Lang moved away from plastic poly mailers to our new redesigned 100% biodegradable mailers. This change is our first step to more eco-friendly packaging.
We are currently replacing our cardboard box packaging, transitioning to lighter and more malleable mailers (envelopes and bags). By redesigning our packaging to be more flexible + agile, we can streamline shipping out your products! The smaller packaging will cut down on the space + weight of each package, which reduces the impact on travel, allowing more products to be shipped simultaneously.
Lastly, Devon + Lang strives to provide our customers with a foundation of basic garments that become a staple in their wardrobe that lasts. In researching and developing our new patterns + colours, we enlist the help of our local partners and loyal customers in our discovery phase. By intentionally selecting these vetted and timeless designs + colours, Devon + Lang provides a basics collection that can fit seamlessly into any wardrobe.
Devon + Lang has more we can do to become more sustainable in every area of our company. As we continue to grow, it is important to us to find processes that will reduce our carbon footprint + waste. In addition to our new packaging, sourcing recycled and more sustainable materials are high on our list of priorities. Our next step in reducing our carbon footprint is sourcing 100% recycled polyester for our future Hustle + Journey boxers.
Devon + Lang is so proud to be working with DYP (Do Your Part) Refillery in Calgary, Alberta. DYP is a refillery + Minimal waste shop. They aim to find ways for Calgarians to reduce their packaging waste + offer more green + sustainable products. Customers can find various minimal waste products, from household to bath + body, travel, daily-used + homemade! With over 85 refillable products, customers can bring their own bottles or purchase reusable containers to refill various daily products. DYP makes transitioning to a more sustainable + minimalist lifestyle easier for all Calgarians!
Contact Info:
Address: 2036 34 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Instagram: @dyprefillery
Text: 403-200-7443
Email: hello@dyprefillery.com
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 11-6pm
Saturday: 11-5pm
Sunday: 12-4pm
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Imagine yourself walking along the beach in the glorious Hawaii heat. As you walk, the more uncomfortable you become… Not because of the sand in between your toes, but because your boxer briefs are riding up, causing chafing. This exact scenario drove Tyler McCombs, founder of Devon + Lang, to create an innovative and comfortable boxer. This passion project sparked a journey of discovery and invention, moving beyond men’s boxers and into basic apparel under the Devon + Lang name. As we venture into the future, Devon + Lang is committed to pushing the boundaries of basic garments by creating innovative, sustainable + comfortable apparel.
Tyler Mccombs worked at Apple for over ten years, where he developed a passion for technology + gained an appreciation for small details. From the joy of unboxing a new product, the quality of every element, the excellent customer service, + the intuitive user experience, Tyler's vision and structure for Devon + Lang has been modelled from the best.
By applying the skills and knowledge gained from Apple, Tyler looked into creating a boxer brief that is superior in both design and craftsmanship. He worked with professional engineers + fashion designers for nearly a year before the first Hustle Boxer was created.
As Devon + Lang continues to grow, our philosophy remains the same. We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience through the buying process, product use and customer service. As we continue to develop new products, our customers should feel assured that our designs have their needs in mind + that all details (big or small) have been closely monitored and considered every step of the way.
Devon + Lang is the union of Tyler’s youngest daughter’s name, Devonnae, and his Grandfather’s surname, Lang. Beyond the fact that these are two very special people to Tyler, there is a generational story that Devon + Lang wants to tell through their apparel. By looking at apparel from the past, Devon + Lang recognizes that garments ought to be made to last. Combining that with modern styles, sustainable fabrics, and eco-friendly packaging, Devon + Lang’s intention is to provide wearable basics that will stand the test of time + lessen the need to replace well-used items regularly.
At Devon + Lang, we are not here to just follow trends. We want to do more than just make garments that look nice. Our vision is to create incredible apparel with a purpose. To perform better than what is currently out there and continue innovating on + improving what we make. We thrive on providing products that our customers will love wearing + timeless styles that fit all lifestyles.
We also want to create a seamless and enjoyable buying experience and install confidence in our customers who purchase from us. This is why we have a Try On Guarantee. We believe that we are making the best products out there, and if you buy from us. It is not the right size, or if you have any issues with the product, you just need to reach out, + we will either send you a different size or issue you a refund without you needing to return the product.
We believe these processes create a worry-free buying experience that is hard to beat, + it is one that we can talk about proudly.
Devon + Lang recently moved into a new + larger warehouse! The overwhelming amount of support we have received the past year has allowed us to continue to grow + create new and innovative products. As we introduce new apparel, Devon + Lang will continue to establish ourselves as a worldwide brand.
We are working on some really exciting projects + cannot wait to share them with you! Here is a couple of sneak peeks of what to look forward to:
WOMEN’S LINE: Our next big venture will be creating and launching a women’s line of undergarments! Devon + Lang is so excited to get this process started + provide our female customers with a product they will fall in love with. We are working hard to make this line a reality!
If you would like to be a part of this process please fill out this survey here.
D+L SOCKS: For the past year, we have been working on an athletic ankle sock. Our socks offer just the right amount of compression to support your foot without being tight - it feels like you’re not wearing anything at all. The padded soles provide just enough cushion for those long evening walks or intense cardio workouts! We are finalizing all the details for these socks and are looking forward to launching them this summer!
NEW PATTERNS: We are thrilled to be launching more boxer patterns very soon for our Journey Boxers and Hustle Boxers! Stay tuned to our social media + sign up for our newsletters to be the first to know when these new colours + patterns will be available!
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Cloth? Disposable? NIOSH? KN95?
Who knew there were so many kinds of masks! Let’s face it, face masks have become an unintentional fashion accessory of 2020 and 2021. As we all go on our face mask buying journey, it can get overwhelming because of all the different choices out there. You might be asking yourself:
When shopping for a face mask, it can be very tricky to find the right fit. Sure, you can always go for the one size fits all face masks or the disposable ones. However, those masks tend to leave many of us frustrated; the mask moves around while you talk or does not stay above the nose. With your mask shifting and sliding all the time, the chances of you touching the masks are higher, which is not ideal.
Devon + Lang is always trying to improve their products and takes the WHO and CDC recommendations very seriously. Our mask designs have been praised by many consumers as the most comfortable and breathable masks on the market! Not only are they comfortable, but our masks are designed to mould the face of their wearer.
Product: 3-Layer Reusable Mask- Cobalt Teal (Front) + Opal Blue (Back)
Every style of Devon + Lang reusable face masks were made with all-day wear in mind. We chose high-quality fabrics that are lightweight + durable. The outer modal layer is moisture-wicking + the inner layer is a moisture-absorbing gauze. The whole face covering is lined with anti-odorizing silver-ions. Every stitch on each mask intentionally creates a more durable mask by securing each fabric panel together + giving enough flexibility to the masks to custom fit to the wearer's face. These 3-layer non-medical masks provide safe mouth and nose coverage + are available in three sizes to ensure the best fit for both children + adults. As we received more feedback on our masks, Devon + Lang was able to update our mask designs to fit our customer’s lifestyles.
Our initial mask design was created to support the high demands for reusable face masks at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Devon + Lang wanted to create a product that consumers can wear while they are navigating through this “new normal.” In addition, Devon + Lang recognized that wearing masks is not the most comfortable accessory; therefore, we thrived on creating a product that is comfortable + long-lasting.
Products: 3-Layer Reusable Face Mask - Obsidian Black + Cobalt Teal XL Reusable Face Mask - Obsidian Black Kids Face Mask- Obsidian Black, Opal Blue + Heather Grey
Our second design introduces a nose wire pocket that fits a metal wire. By including this addition, this mask was able to fit more securely around the wearer's nose bridge. This design allows consumers to take out their wire prior to washing their masks, which increases the longevity of the products. The nose-wires will need to be replaced depending on how often the wearer bends and flexes it.
Products: 3-Layer Reusable Face Mask w/ Removable Nose Wire - Obsidian Black, Heather Grey, Opal Blue, Amethyst Purple, GoodVibes + Forest Green. Nose Wires
Our third design was a collaboration with our past customers. We heard you loud and clear! The request for a mask that included a nose-wire and adjustable straps was highly sought after, and we were thrilled to create this version of our top-selling face mask. This mask is our most adaptable mask to fit all face shapes and sizes.
Products: Adjustable Ear Loop 3-Layer Reusable Face Mask w/ Removable Nose Wire - Obsidian Black Nose Wires
When it comes to taking proper measurements here is what we recommend doing:
Take a rule or tape measure, and start at the middle of your upper lip and measure to just before your ear canal on your right or left ear. Doubling this number will give you the approximate length you are looking for. For measuring the height, we recommend measuring from the bridge on your nose to just under you chin.
Devon + Lang is committed to staying up to date with the latest research about mask recommendations. As of February 11, 2021 (latest update), the Canadian Government suggestions including a non-woven polypropylene fabric layer to your cloth masks. The filters that are included in all Devon + Lang Masks are PM 2.5 Carbon filter. These filters can be used between 16 to 24 hours, as recommended by many experts.
For more information about PM 2.5 Carbon filters you can check out this article here.
Product: Additional Filters
To maintain the Devon + Lang face mask here are some steps to take to maximize the mask’s longevity.
With COVID-19 challenging our community like never before, Devon + Lang is committed to supporting our local community. When we first launched our Face Masks, the idea of donating a portion of the sales to a local charity was a priority. When choosing an organization to partner with, Devon + Lang explored many opinions but decided that COVID relief within the community was most pressing. At the beginning of April 2020, Devon + Lang partnered with United Way Calgary and Area to raise $15,000 for the Covid 19 Community Response Fund. With every Devon + Lang face mask sold, 20% of the sale was donated to this initiative. By the beginning of October 2020, Devon + Lang proudly donated $15,000 to United Way Calgary and Area. For more information about our community initiatives, you can visit here.
As we continue on our journey in this “new normal,” Devon + Lang will continue to support our community by providing local organizations with covid relief. As we enter into 2021, Devon + Lang will be committed to donating at least 5% of every mask purchase to an organization that is supporting the community with covid relief. Devon + Lang is proud to be collecting up to $10,000 for these local organizations that are working hard to support our most vulnerable populations.
]]>In 2021, Devon + Lang will continue our commitment to supporting our community through many different channels. From donations to local collaborations, we want to support our community as we navigate through these uncertain times. We believe that by being socially conscious of what our community needs will allow us to give back in the most impactful way.
Photo: @yycbridge
Devon + Lang is excited to continue working with many local businesses! Check out some of these amazing local businesses that we have been working with:
Adesso Man
Video: Devon + Lang YouTube
Devon + Lang would like to reintroduce our awesome GoodVibes collaboration with Adesso Man. 10% of all profits from this collection will be donated to the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY); a charitable not for profit organization that welcomes an inclusive environment for immigrant and refugee youth and their families as they build a life in Canada.
“The most important thing for us has been to help build confidence and empower our community and it starts at the foundational level with our youth. We are happy to be supporting such an amazing organization (CBFY) that is helping build a better future for immigrant and refugee children in Calgary.”
Abdul, Founder + CEO of Adesso Man
The GoodVibes campaign integrates Adesso's 4 Pillars of Confidence by providing financial, educational and mental and physical health support to local organizations.
Due to the pandemic, CBFY had to move many of their youth programs online. The GoodVibes campaign will provide the CBFY team the financial support to continue their services that provide social, emotional and academic support for their immigrant + refugee participants.
Photo: @jl.mclane
For more information about the GoodVibes campaign check out our blog post HERE.
Artist Collaborations
As we look forward to 2021, Devon + Lang is committed to creating more collaborations within our community. One of collaborations we are working on is a local artist collab, where we will feature an artist’s work on one of our products. This will be a great way to showcase some local artists and promote amazing Canadian artwork.
Photo: Modulecreative.agency
Be More Green
To show our love to mother earth, Devon + Lang is committing to become more eco-friendly with our packaging and product manufacturing. We are currently in the process of swapping out all our mailers to compostable mailers and reducing the amount of materials used in our packaging. We are excited to start using more environmentally friendly packaging for 2021! The less waste we can make as a business the less waste there will be in our community landfills.
We can barely hold it in anymore! Devon + Lang is in production of a new women's line of fantastic undergarments; a panty and bralette! These products are long over due and we cannot wait to get these in your hands. When developing this line, our main focus is to create comfortable products that you would love to wear.
Photo: @devankarl
The support and love that we felt in 2020 was overwhelming! We want to share the love that we received by encouraging our customers to continue to shop local and support local businesses in anyway possible; click HERE on how you can support your local community. As we continue our JOURNEY as a local business we hope that you will join our HUSTLE into the next leg of this crazy adventure!
Photo: Modulecreative.agency
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Devon + Lang started the year with the launch of their new Journey boxer line and ended the year... well so much has happened that a small blog post will not be sufficient enough to highlight the challenges, new beginnings and collaborations that happened this year!
Check out this article that documents our 2020 Journey!
Devon + Lang is so incredibly grateful to our partners, community members and customers for all the support this past year! We will continue to work diligently and in collaboration with our partners and customers to create products that are functional, comfortable and compatible to a variety of lifestyles.
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Calgary Underwear Company Devon + Lang to Donate $10,000 to the Leftovers Foundation from Profits of Face Mask Sales
]]>Known for their innovative boxer briefs, Devon + Lang pivoted to offer face masks during the pandemic, and since October, has allocated 15% of all proceeds to The Leftovers Foundation fundraising initiative. Following a $15,000 donation to the United Way community relief fund in October, this contribution brings the company’s 2020 total donation to local vulnerable populations to $25,000.
“At the beginning of the pandemic, we recognized the need for well-designed reusable face masks in our community, and we were ecstatic about the support we received from our fellow Canadians,” said Tyler McCombs, Founder and CEO of Devon + Lang. “We were thrilled to partner with Leftovers to support the populations most affected by the pandemic. Thank you to everyone who decided to shop local and support a great cause.”
“The Leftovers team is so grateful for this support,” said Lourdes Juan, Founder and Executive Director of the Leftovers Foundation. “Our team has rescued over 550,000 lbs of food in 2020, ensuring it gets to service agencies and those in need. This would not be possible without the partners that have stood by our side during the pandemic. Thank you, Devon + Lang!”
The Devon + Lang team will continue to donate a portion of all profits of mask sales to local charities and initiatives.
About Devon + Lang
Devon + Lang is an apparel company focused on how change and innovation can be connected and generational. The company uses what made apparel and clothing great in the past – quality and longevity; and finds new ways to reimagine and develop apparel for the next generation. Committed to “Supporting the Goods,” Devon + Lang aims to promote and fundraise for initiatives making local impact. For more information, visit devonandlang.com or follow Devon + Lang on social at @devonandlang and #supportthegoods
Company Contact
Sarah Carmichael, Head of Marketing
Phone: 1-403-510-5716
Email: sarah@devonandlang.com
Website: www.devonandlang.com
Oh Hey There Adesso Man.
Much like Devon + Lang, Adesso was founded by home-grown Calgarians solving a problem that they experienced in their own daily lives. Not having a mid-tier mens apparel store is what motivated Abdul Ahmed, Ayaz Raja and Lucas Anderson to open Adesso Man; a place where men can shape their own style with the quality and selection you expect from a premium store while avoiding the high price tag.
The Sexiest Thing a Man Can Wear? Confidence.
Being a homegrown company goes hand in hand with caring about the wellbeing of your community, and Adesso Man does a phenomenal job of supporting the community through their #adessolistens campaign. The main goal of this campaign is to elevate and empower individuals in the community to feel more confident in their everyday lives.
They focus on 4 main areas, that they call the “4 Pillars of Confidence”.
These 4 pillars are:
We absolutely love this initiative, and it brings to mind a popular quote. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. Arming people with the skills and knowledge to feel confident and succeed is one of the best ways to see tangible, long-term changes.
The D+L X Adesso Man Collab.
Devon + Lang is proud to have partnered with Adesso Man to bring you the Good Vibes Only line. Together we’ve designed a pair of Journey boxers and a 3-layer face mask. The Good Vibes Only line boasts same great quality that you have come to expect from Devon + Lang, with super sleek and flashy lime green trim that oozes confidence. The best part? Not only are you getting a unique design of our comfortable and breathable boxers and masks, but you are also helping to bring the good vibes to our community. 10% of all profits from the Good Vibes Only line go to the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth.
“Youth Thrive and not Merely Survive” – CBFY.
The Calgary Bridge Foundation (CBFY) was the perfect charity choice for this collaboration as it is a local Calgary charity, and it aligns with Adesso Man’s “4 Pillars”. The CBFY is an organization that works with immigrant/refugee children, as well as their families, to educate and equip them with the skills and knowledge they will need to build their new lives here in our great nation. Their core value statement is “Youth Thrive and not Merely Survive”. They have a vast array of programs to help children of all ages experience the smoothest transition possible into their new country. From improving English skills, personal and social skills, leadership, and assistance in successfully graduating from school and what the next steps are, the CBFY covers all of the bases. They do this through in-school/after school programs, mentorship programs, as well as a Youth Empowerment Program that they run through a partnership with RBC.
Devon + Lang & Adesso Man are proud to collaborate on the Good Vibes Only line and help out such an amazing organization. 10% of all profits earned from the Good Vibes Only line go to the CBFY to help support them in the incredible work they are doing. To learn more about this amazing organization, or to see how you can help visit them at www.cbfy.ca.
Show Your Support. Shop the Good Vibes Only Line.
Good Vibes Only – Journey Boxer
Good Vibes Only – 3-Layer Non-Medical Mask w/ Removable Nose Wire
]]>If you have been following Devon + Lang’s story thus far, you will be familiar with our #SupportTheGoods initiative.
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The Leftovers Foundation: What Makes Them Great.
The Leftovers Foundation is an organization based in Western Canada, with operations in Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, that focuses on reducing food waste within their communities. The goal for the foundation is to ensure edible food is kept out of the landfill and instead is redirected into the hands of people who need it most. In 2019 alone they managed to save over 311,000 pounds of food.
The stats on food waste in Canada are truly astonishing. According to the Leftovers Foundation, 58% of the food that is produced in Canada is wasted annually, which is equal to 11.2 million metric tonnes! The financial impact is equally jaw dropping, with food waste in Canada costing an estimated $49.5 billion dollars. To put things in perspective for our Calgary readers, The City of Calgary estimates that food waste accounts for 36% of material going into Calgary landfills from single family homes.
So How Does the Leftovers Foundation Combat Food Waste in Their Communities?
The Leftovers Foundation partners with local restaurants, bakeries, grocers and distributors to redirect food (that would normally head to a landfill) to local service agencies - who make sure it gets into the hand of people who need it most. Once these connections are made, volunteers can then use the Leftovers Foundation app to see pick up and drop off locations in their communities. Volunteering couldn’t be easier with their app! It even includes a built-in navigation function that shows you exactly how to get to your pickup and drop off locations.
How Can You Help?
Picking up and delivering food isn’t the only way that you can help out. The Leftovers Foundation also runs an initiative called Home Harvest Season. If you grow any of your own produce at home and your harvest will be too much for you and your family to use, the Leftovers Foundations will be glad to come to you to harvest and pick it up. They ensure all of your hard work during the growing season does not go to waste and gets to the people who need it the most.
Help Us Help Them.
Devon + Lang is proud to include the Leftovers Foundation in the growing list of local charitable organizations we have supported through our #SupportTheGoods initiative. We were already very proud of our comfortable and breathable 3-Layer Masks keeping our fellow Canadians safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, being able to help out our community at the same time is just the cherry on top! 15% of all mask sales are going to the Leftovers Foundation, with a goal of a $10,000 donation well within reach!
If you live in the Calgary, Edmonton or Winnipeg regions, please check out our friends at the Leftovers Foundation for an easy way to make a huge, tangible effect in your community and #SupportTheGoods!
]]>These inequities were evident in the various barriers to care experienced by these members of our society, with many of the contemporary methods by which our system attempted community outreach, failing. Recognizing these barriers to care, Dr. Nzekwu was inspired to establish a grassroots solution to the perceived problem; Nations Health. A multidisciplinary healthcare platform providing equitable and accessible healthcare services to local priority populations, Nations Health’s first offering has been Nation’s Vision. A portable eyecare social enterprise, Nation’s Vision has provided eyecare for those unable to access it ensuring the affordability of this service sustainably for the past year.
Dr. Nzekwu knew firsthand that vision care would be lacking in these communities from personal experience; “ … as a child in grade 5 not being able to see the board and my parents not taking me to get my eyes checked cause they didn’t really know, my grades and overall livelihood suffered. Finally having the teacher recognize there was a problem and notifying my parents and then getting my glasses was a traumatizing experience, recognizing just how much of the world I was missing up to that moment and that I now needed “4 eyes” to experience it… one would wonder how my parents didn’t recognize it sooner, but truthfully, it makes no sense to assume they would, they were busy and unaware of the problem, a story one will often hear amongst priority populations regarding many aspects of their health.”
Through key partnerships with the Calgary Catholic School District, the Calgary Board of Education, the Francophone School District, Immigrant Services Calgary, Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society, Center for Newcomers, Calgary Women’s Association, the Drop-In Center and more, Nation’s Vision has been able to provide eye exams at various institutions across Calgary. In addition to these organizations, they also provide services to local senior homes and supporting businesses. Providing services in a portable manner, the Nation’s Vision teams is constantly on the move, accessing various priority populations in locations most convenient for them, providing identical eye exams to those offered in conventional offices, with glasses too!
Dr. Nzekwu is quick to direct any attention or praise to his team. “We’ve put together an excellent team of dedicated eyecare specialists. We’ve got a great optometrist in Dr. Sarah Kim and our opticians, assistants and technicians are all very dedicated to the cause and make the ship run, and they do it because they love it. They love the people they are providing services to and they know they are making a difference in the community. I wish I could get people to see the great work they are doing and recognize how rare it is in the field of optometry to find a team of specialists who spend their entire time working with those who face barriers to care. It’s tough work and they do it with a smile every day”
Although providing the eye exams is the visible service of Nation’s Vision, education and improving health literacy is the most important part says Dr. Nzekwu. According to their data, up to 80% of kids between the ages of 5-9 don’t get an eye exam, and as an example, 34% of Calgarian low-income school children who received an eye exam in the 2019-2020 school year needed glasses. Educating people of the importance of regular eyecare, particularly annual eye exams for children under 19 years of age is priority number one for Nation’s Vision. “Sending out promotional material about eye care and our in-school eye care program, at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing. It’s not about them signing up, it’s about them going and getting it done. Some of them might sign up, but many of them will take their children to a local optometrist! That’s what they should do, that’s what they should have done from the start, and this program is helping remind them of it”
So, where does Devon + Lang come into all of this? Through partnering with Nation’s Vision and providing them with face masks so that they are able to continue operations through the COVID-19 pandemic. Emeka initially purchased Devon + Lang’s reusable masks for his team and they loved the feel and comfort they wanted to further help these children in need by providing them with a quality reusable mask. “Given that a lot of these families are struggling it would be nice to be able to get a face mask for them that would be free. Their children get a free eye exam at school and a customized children’s face mask for free as well!”
At the end of the day Nation’s Vision is here to make a difference for those who need it most in their community, while supporting other local businesses. “I think it’s really important that Calgarian companies and organizations work together to help Calgarians, particularly in these times.”
Looking towards the future, Dr. Nzekwu would love to continue to grow the program within Calgary as well as provide guidance to similar programs starting up in Edmonton and other Albertan communities.
Devon + Lang is proud to partner with such a great organization that makes a real difference in our communities and in the lives of various local priority populations. 100% of proceeds from the limited edition Nation’s Vision Reusable Face Masks will be used to provide 1,000 custom made reusable, child-sized face masks for low income Calgarian school children.
]]>You may not recognize these Superheroes from afar because their outfits aren't made of skintight spandex. In fact, these heroes may be covered head to toe in personal protective equipment (PPE). The masks they wear are not intended to conceal their identity, but to fight the spread of COVID-19. Meet Richard, John, Ralph, and Nate.
Name: Richard
Super Power: Registered Nurse
Why We Love Richard: Richard is such a gem. He works as a nurse in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at Foothills Hospital with patients facing heart surgery whether they are COVID positive or not. He's a man with a plan and he's ready to be deployed at any time if there is a surge in COVID patients and the COVID unit is overwhelmed. With a wife who is also a superhero nurse at Foothills as well as a 22 month son at home, Richard takes extra precautions and has a contingency plan in place if either his wife or himself contracted the virus and needed to self-isolate. He believes the best offense is a good defense and focuses on staying healthy, rested and taking vitamins to strengthen immunity. He is proud of the way Alberta has responded to the pandemic and is grateful for his team and all others on the frontlines.
In chatting with Richard he recounted what he calls "the most unforgettable experience in his nursing career." One day while in the airport fixing his coffee, a former patient stopped him and thanked him for taking care of him during his heart attack years earlier. The patient remembered Richard working to revive him and was so grateful for his efforts. Richard reminds us that it shouldn't take a pandemic to recognize the lifesaving work that healthcare workers are doing every day.
Name: John
Super Power: Environmental Services
Why We Love John: John VOLUNTEERED to be one of the superheroes working in the COVID assessment areas. Volunteered! Often these areas are short staffed because workers do not want to risk being exposed to the virus and after suiting up into the proper PPE for the full shift (head to toe coverings and masks) these isolated areas become extremely hot. John recounts the first day of the COVID response as the hardest; however, he has hit his stride and is now deep cleaning the patient assessment areas after every three patients while the nurses disinfect the high touch point areas after every patient between deep cleans. Our hospitals couldn't function without hard workers like John, and we are so grateful that he stepped up in our time of need!
Name: Ralph
Super Power: Registered Nurse
Why We Love Ralph: Ralph is a registered nurse in a Medical Oncology Unit. Most of his patients are people with cancer, and therefore at high risk for contracting COVID. To protect his patients and prevent the spread, Ralph and his colleagues go through a screening process every day before entering their work area. They answer questions about their possible exposure to the virus, health related questions to identify any symptoms, as well as have their temperature checked to ensure no one enters the unit with a fever. Ralph is one of the superheroes who tests patients on his floor if they show COVID symptoms, attends to these patients while they are isolated for the one to two days while the test results come back and diligently suits up in the proper PPE, which takes 2 to 3 minutes to dress in, each and every time he is called into their rooms. Thank you Ralph for your diligence and for taking care of our high risk populations!
Name: Nate
Super Power: Emergency Medical Call Taker & Volunteer Fire Fighter
Why We Love Nate: If you ever need an Ambulance on Vancouver Island, Nate might be the guy on the other end of the phone coaching you through your situation until the ambulance arrives. Nate is an Emergency Medical Call Taker for the Provincial Ambulance Services in British Columbia as well as a Volunteer Fire Fighter. He's the guy screening the calls and identifying whether our paramedics should take extra precautions and wear PPE when attending a call. If the call is serious enough to require firefighter assistance, Nate may also be on the scene! With more people staying at home, Nate tells us that he's seen an increase in home fires, but a decrease in car accidents and less alarms at businesses. It is people like Nate who keep our world turning, even when the world changes overnight. Thank you Nate for all you do!
We at Devon + Lang are so grateful for all of the efforts of our Frontline Heroes - doctors, nurses, emergency response, environmental services, essential services and all others who have been on the frontlines of this pandemic. Thank you for selflessly serving our communities. We think you are all Superheroes.
Here are some tips from our superhero Richard on staying safe and stopping the spread:
CALGARY, Alberta — Today, Devon + Lang, an apparel company specializing in innovative boxer briefs, donated $15,000 to United Way of Calgary and Area to support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation comes because of Devon + Lang’s face mask fundraising initiative.
At the beginning of April, Devon + Lang recognized the need for comfortable and well-designed reusable face masks as well as the need for donations toward COVID-19 Relief. The company leveraged their design capabilities and started production of masks in the same soft modal fabric used in their boxers. Within the first week, the limited run of 200 masks were sold out and 100% of profits were dedicated to this community response fund. To create an ongoing fundraising effort and meet demand, Devon + Lang increased production and committed 20% off all profits to United Way, raising a total of $15,000.
“As a growing Calgary company, we are thrilled to be able to contribute to a relief effort in our own backyard,” said Tyler McCombs, Founder of Devon + Lang. “This initiative and our masks have received national attention, which has been exciting for our team. We are thankful for all the people who decided to shop local and contribute to a great cause.”
“We are grateful to Devon + Lang for their support of our community during COVID-19,” said Rhonda Roth, Chief Development Officer at United Way of Calgary and Area. “It’s inspiring to see a home-grown, local business give back through great creative ideas at a time when many people are struggling. Thank you, Devon + Lang, for highlighting our city’s compassion and generosity towards the most vulnerable. United, we make the biggest difference!”
Devon + Lang is expanding their face mask line to include a variety of colours and child-size masks, and will continue to donate 15% of all proceeds to local charities and initiatives.
About Devon + Lang
Devon + Lang is an apparel company focused on how change and innovation can be connected and generational. The company uses what made apparel and clothing great in the past – quality and longevity; and finds new ways to reimagine and develop apparel into the next generation. Committed to “Supporting the Goods,” Devon + Lang aims to promote and fundraise for initiatives making local impact. For more information, visit devonandlang.com or follow Devon + Lang on social at @devonandlang and #supportthegoods
Contacts
Sarah Carmichael, Head of Marketing
Phone: 1-403-510-5716
Email: sarah@devonandlang.com
Everywhere we turn we are being told to “isolate”, “social distance”, and “quarantine”… all terms that encourage us to be “apart”. All the while, companies like Local Laundry are reminding us that we are all in this together.
Most commonly known for their design of the distinctive YYC Collection, Local Laundry has specially designed a Healthcare Hoodie in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 100% of the profits from this bamboo cotton zip-up hoodie will be donated towards the Calgary Community Response Fund for COVID-19 and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region COVID-19 Relief. In the words of Connor Curran, Co-Owner of Local Laundry, “just because you are a small business doesn’t mean you can’t create a big impact,” and guess what… through pre-sales alone they’ve already raised over $10,000!
Here’s what we love about Local Laundry:
Building Community is in the Company DNA.
Local Laundry was founded in 2015 as a way to use clothing to bring people together while creating a positive impact on the community. What started as a line of t-shirts for each of Calgary’s communities has grown into a clothing brand that you can find in stores across Canada. There’s something about finding that common link that builds community. “Where did you grow up? Calgary? No way… me too!”
They Put Their Money Where Their Mouth Is.
Every month 10% of Local Laundry’s profits are donated to a local charity nominated by their customers. The impact on the community? Over $40,000 donated and hundreds of collaborations with community builders, including collaborations with Andrew Phung & Loose Moose Theatre, the Calgary Hitmen & D.I.T.R.O., and Wild Rose Brewery & Yama Vans to name a few!
During one of the record breaking cold snaps in Calgary, the Local Laundry Gang reached out to Calgary homeless shelters to find that there were consistently 5 items that were in high demand and low supply: socks, toques, towels, underwear and mittens. That year Local Laundry collected over 2,000 towels and donated them to six different local charities. However, they wanted a better, more sustainable way to help the shelters in their community, which is what spawned Local Laundry’s line of Giving Garment. For every towel purchased from Local Laundry, they will donate a towel to a homeless shelter across Canada.
Sharing is Caring.
At the heart of communities are local entrepreneurs. Connor and Dustin, co-owners of Local Laundry, want to see other businesses start-up, grow and thrive so they host a Start-up & Beers event every three months to connect with other small business owners. Starting a business can be a lonely and difficult endeavour, but there is power in a network of like-minded individuals who have had or are experiencing similar challenges.
Made in Canada and Proud of it.
Everything made by Local Laundry is Made in Canada to support Canadian manufacturing, Canadian jobs, and a diversified Canadian economy. How awesome is that!
The Fun Don’t Stop.
The Local Laundry Gang is always finding amazing ways to give back and make an impact. We can not wait to see how they continue to grow in the future.
From all of us at OKE, thank you Local Laundry! We are grateful for all the ways you are supporting our hometown and homeland!
#SupportTheGoods
]]>I think we can all agree that slipping on a fresh new pair of socks is a top 5 feeling. Now imagine knowing that those stylish new socks you’ve just purchased means that 2 more pairs of socks will be donated to people in need. Now that is what we call spreading the love!
This is the premise behind Mr. Nice Socks (MNS). For each pair of MNS socks purchased, TWO pairs of socks are donated! Since their start in 2016, Mr. Nice Socks has donated 50,000 pairs of socks and 100 care kits containing essential hygiene products have been donated to charities throughout Western Canada.
Here’s what we love about MNS:
Husband and wife team, Mo Habib and Sumira Duggal started the #SocksForSocks initiative out of Edmonton in 2016 as a way to give back to their community. At the time, Canadian oil and gas was taking a plunge leaving many of their friends and neighbours down and out. They called multiple charities and organizations, and what they heard time and time again was that these organizations needed socks! Some organizations were going through as many as 240 pairs of socks a day. It was then that Mr. Nice Socks was established and they’ve been going strong ever since.
There are so many cool ways that Mr. Nice Socks is giving back. Sock donations have gone to numerous organizations such as The Mustard Seed, The Camrose Open Door Association, and The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre to name a few.
Did you know that your organization can design custom socks and then pick where the sock donations will go? Your company can even show up and do the donation drop yourself. How cool is that.
Recently, the Leduc Minor Hockey Association created custom socks for their Roughnecks team and chose the Leduc Hub Association to be the recipient of their sock donations. The result? Over 500 pairs of socks were dropped by the Leduc Roughnecks hockey players to the Leduc Hub!
In the words of Mo Habib, “Everything has to be done properly from beginning to end.” Ethical manufacturing and quality are extremely important to Mr. Nice Socks. We love the story of how they picked their manufacturer. Mo and Samira had researched manufacturers with ethical certifications, narrowed down the list to a few and then asked for sample socks. In testing these socks, Mo ran around his home and backyard and tried to truly destroy each pair. The first pair they received lasted the longest and they are still using that awesome manufacturer today!
Have you ever wondered what the inspiration was behind a cool pattern or design? We got the low-down on a few of the MNS sock designs. You know the El Geoffe? Those are named after Mo’s brother-in-law, a handy dude who likes his socks plain white or black. Mo and Sumira would always give him colourful socks as a gift… so naturally he inspired the bright pink socks with hammers on them.
The Aviation Sensation? The green ones with paper airplanes? Those were inspired by Mo’s niece. Mo taught her how to make a paper airplane one day and it stuck. Now she’s a paper airplane making machine!
“People want to do good. If you provide them a means to do it, they’ll do it.” – Mo Habib, Mr. Nice Socks
It doesn’t stop here. Mo and Sumira are committed to helping Canadians in need and are brainstorming more ways to amplify their impact. Is there a future collaboration in store with OKE? *cough* stay tuned *cough*
From all of us at OKE, thank you Mr. Nice Socks for all the good you do!
#SupportTheGoods
You know what pairs well with some stylish socks? A great pair of OKE Boxers! We recommend you support your goods and check out the new All Day Comfort Boxer Briefs.
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