| |
FAIR TRADE COMMITMENT
Overheard at an internal Hooligans staff meeting....... "The word 'FairTrade' is thrown around nowadays as the latest "it word" and we have to ask ourselves honestly what that means for us. Our passion and investment in human lives must go beyond the need for profit. So , why do we think we are so different? " Adri Jeffers - Director Jan 2010
We have over the years learnt that working with people from previously disadvantaged communities means much more than the bottom line of profit. For workers to clock in day after day on time it often means pulling themselves away from a home in which they are the single female household providers. Others come to work with bruises that are caused by spousal abuse. Children are left to their own devices while mothers work.
With this very "close to our heart" fact , Hooligans embarked on a decided course of action to help these woman gain the respect they deserve. After all , the passion that goes into making the wonderful clothing we design , comes only from a special person, which each and every one of the Hooligans 'helpers" are.
Learn more about the Woman's Advice desk here
Our affiliation and monitoring of their co-operative we have put in place fair trade practices which sees them have a say in prices set in the market place. No worker earns less for their piece than what is pre-agreed on. They assist with the costings and a customer can rest assured that what they are buying has not been at the disadvantage of a human being's basic rights to a fair wage.
Through our social investment into the Cooperative , not only are we seeing more smiles as lives improved , but also a compassion of fellow worker.
WORKER SYNOPSIS
Below , a synopsis of some of our loyal workers. Some agreed proudly to be shown off here. Others , due to their circumstances would not and we respect their wishes.
Name: Michelle Age: 19
Nationality: Indian
Personal Background: Michelle came to work with us just under a year ago. She was fresh out of school, and eager to follow her passion to create. She loves cooking, music, reading and learning, and when she joined us – she found a new passion to follow – and that was dolls. Michelle loves creating dolls and actually finds it very difficult to part with her creations. She wants to keep all of them.
Name: Promise Age: 23
Nationality: African
Personal Background Promise joined us as a HIV mother of two. As a single mother, her main focus was to show those around her, that one person can make a difference. This young woman has so much love to give – her smile radiates through the building. Her name describes her best because when she gives of herself – whether it be personally or creatively, she follows through with everything she has.
Name: VanessaAge: 35
Nationality: Indian
Personal Background: When Vanessa joined us, it was apparent that she had come from a painful past. Very badly burnt as a child, Vanessa boasts the widest smile you could ever imagine. Her burns are all over her body – even her face, and on looking at her, you see what she must have had to endure growing up like that. This is no ordinary lady – her role in councelling others is truly inspirational. She is now the head seamstress in the Doll department and with her vibrant zest for life and motivational aura – who could want it any other way. This lady has skill, passion and flair. Another reason we should never judge a book by its cover…
|
| |
|
COMPANY PORTFOLIO
HISTORY
In1996, Adri Jeffers , her husband, Wayne and her talented mother Nina started off making cute little safari clothing for children which spread faster than an African Bushfire.
DESIGN INSPIRATION
Our fabulous funny faces of African animals combined with fine fabrics, have become our trademark. The smile evident on our faces as the animal grows into character is priceless! Adri wakes up many a night with a “light bulb “moment grabbing her pencil!
The passion in our team is energetic and we share a unique sense of humour. The fun element in Hooligans clothing ranges is clearly evident as a result of our insane staff compliment!
GROWTH
Over time our target market crossed the oceans and Hooligans began appointing overseas distributors –Today our luscious fun range can be found in the UK, Europe, USA, Australia, Turkey , Italy , Portugal and Canada. This list is ever growing as the world markets are tired of mass produced clothing and thirst for unique kiddies clothing.
For a lost of stockists and Agents , see here
Hooligans pride itself in authentic designs .Only Fair trade fabrics are used and a huge commitment to previously disadvantaged communities has seen independent factories blossom into exclusively manufacturing for us.
FAST FACTS
- Hooligans Kids Clothing is stocked by more than 300 independent retailers worldwide. In South Africa, Tigers Eye Retail is our top distribution chain. Our UK Agent, Merry Go Round exhibits at the Birmingham NEC on a regular basis, which has seen the UK customer base grow firmly. Specifically the Zoo's and High Street speciality stores.
- Hooligans designs and manufactures an adorable handmade range of dolls which embraces our commitment to local communities and authentically African products.
- All our products are registered barcoded EAN13 for worldwide use.
QUALITY AND SAFETY
We are passionate about children’s' safety.
Babies put everything into their mouths. You can rest assured all our infant garments are made to withstand those killer growing teeth! Buttons are extra secured and poppers are attached with a special Pneumatic stud machine imported from Italy. Studs have been approved lead free according to the new CPSC requirements.
Newborn baby skin... something we always refer to as "soft as a baby's bottom". We want to ensure those bottoms and bodies stay that way. Fabrics contain no harmful chemicals. Nickel can also cause an allergic reaction that's why we only use “nickel free” studs and poppers.
The pitter patter of the baby learning to walk... Our booties have special rubberized soles in a decorative footprint design to ensure its walking they're doing and not snow skiing!
*Now to make them happy, that's easy since our prints are simply adorable and bring a smile to every little one's face.
SATIN neck labels and wash care labels also prevent scratching of the skin.
LOOSE CORDS and elastics are a no-no for little ones. The infant range is designed with buttons and studs rather than cords to prevent accidents We are frequently asked about the use of flame retardants in the fabrics that we use but we are unable to find a source that proves these chemicals to be proven safe for use in children’s clothing items. Therefore Hooligans does not endorse the use of this.
We are committed to making clothing that honours people and the planet.
WORKFORCE
A stringent code of ethics is the foundation of Hooligans Kids Clothing. Employees are paid excellent rates for their hard work and loyal dedication to Hooligans. 98% of the current workforce have worked here for over 10 years. Absolutely no child labour will ever be employed by us!
South African Labour Legislation:
South Africa have a strict Occupational Health and Safety Act which we adhere to. The Basic Employment Act. Stipulates working hours, age of workers and fair employment conditions.
Outsourced production, be it printing, embroidering or sewing up our clothing, is only awarded to accredited “Hooligans suppliers”. In order to qualify as a supplier, the company must provide suitable proof of fair labour practice. Additionally, our supplier base is in a 50km radius from our Head Office which makes it accessible to visit on a weekly basis. The relationships that we have built up with our excellent supplier base has provided a solid foundation to our continued growth and reputation.
FABRICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
FABRIC & TRIMS- The overall composition of our fabrics are 100% South African cotton. In trim areas, such as mesh or lace, a combination of polyester or nylon may be used.
All Cotton is bought from South African mills that source the cotton yarn from African farms. This is then dyed to our specified colours at a Dyeing facility in Durban, South Africa. Dyed fabric is finished with an eco friendly softener. We regularly visit and inspect the facilities of our fabric suppliers to ensure their claims of “Fair Trade” are substantiated.
|
|
