When we initially came up with a “worldly” focus, I thought we would move in an international direction. Of course, this was back in August 2021 when my creative designer and I laid out the concepts for the first four shirts that would launch the brand. My vision was for U.S.-based children to think beyond our national borders, to consider the needs of kids in other countries and from other cultures. However, as the global focus today (May 2022) has shifted to the Ukraine through most potential charitable partners, I became worried that our donations (your money) would get lost as we are still a small growing brand. It’s important to me that we maintain transparency and credibility with the give-back from each campaign, and that each shirt speaks directly to the child that it ultimately helps. Selecting a nonprofit partner involves a ton of learning and discovery—hours and hours of reading through pages and pages on a Google search, and days of feeling the partnership out, building the alignment, etc. When I landed on one particular nonprofit headquartered just one hour from Tampa that helps sick children - to “give them the WORLD” - it was instant magic. Like fireworks kind of magic…like the kind that families of the critically ill experience through the charitable efforts of a special Florida-based team. 

Meet: Give Kids The World Village. 

Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost. A stay at the Village is much more than a vacation; it's an opportunity for these families to laugh together, play together, and create priceless memories away from hospital stays and medical treatments. Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has hosted more than 177,000 families from all 50 states and more than 76 countries. The Village is made possible by the support of generous donors and community partners, as well as thousands of passionate volunteers – who donate their time and talent making wishes come true.

“Wee are the world” has been perfectly positioned to help our kids understand who needs them now in a way that is relatable, feels slightly more familiar, and reaches children across the globe just as we initially envisioned. Any one at any time can receive a health diagnosis that could change their lives forever. A family’s health and financial wealth can be impacted within a moment’s notice. It is up to us to do all that we can to be there for our neighbors, no matter where they are in the world. 

You’ll notice, too, that we feature Maisy in this kid model line up. Maisy is a Wee Macree friend with Down syndrome. Representation and inclusion will always be at the core of our brand. Before we can begin to motivate give-back, social good, and kindness, diversity and inclusion must come first. It’s also important to note that she is one of the most kind-hearted, loving, and super talented kids we’ve ever known. So, it was an especially fun watching these three friends play together in their ice blue shirts during the photoshoot.

Visit the shop page on the website to support this newest partnership today!