WHY WE LIKE TO GIVE AWAY MONEY

Why do we give 1% of our company revenue away every year?

For Leonista it's a flag in the sand statement that our business cares for wild places and the future of our planet. Without the planet there will be no business so what's bad for the planet is bad for business.

One of my main inspirations for starting Leonista was reading “Let my people go surfing” by Yvon Chouinard. He built Patagonia Inc as an experiment to see if you can build a successful business that sells products but at the same time use its revenue to help save our home planet.

What a beautiful experiment. My dream is that Leonista can be the Patagonia Inc of the liquor industry.

1% Percent for the Planet is an international organization born from Patagonia Inc. It's a tool for companies to band together and commit 1% of their annual revenue to support causes that help save the planet. It's a give back club that we are proud to be a part of and proud to have its badge showcased on our products.

How does it work?

You join online and pay an annual membership fee which varies depending on your income bracket. Then you upload your yearly financial statements and based off of those (less membership fee) your 1% commitment amount is calculated.

Your NGO or charity you support needs to be vetted and registered with 1%. Your annual Proof of payment to them is uploaded and checked. It keeps companies that are involved accountable.

What are the benefits?

We support Samara Karoo Reserve whos goal is to protect and grow wild places in the Karoo. Other than seeing the amazing change our revenue does to help your partner protect our home planet. We get to have the 1%for planet logo on our products, website and social media which in turn helps consumers who believe in the mission support us. “Our vibe attracts our tribe”

We also get weekly newsletters from 1%, advice from other members and annual events (mostly based in USA) with guest speakers who help inspire and connect all the companies involved. Generally 1% members like to work with other 1% members so there is an ecosystem of good business within the tribe.

In summary it's hard to really know the exact value we get from being part of the club but it's one the proudest pieces of the Leonista puzzle I have added and I look forward to seeing all the wild places and people we can support in the future as we grow.