Wyclef Jean x Timberland Earthkeepers Boots Coming November 2009

Article written by: Asmara Wreksono
Posted on: October 19, 2009

More celebrities are becoming more aware of the environment while turning their newfound passion into fashion. Wyclef Jean is no exception. The Grammy Award-winning musician, humanitarian and Goodwill Ambassador to Haiti announced his partnership with footwear brand Timberland.

Jean introduced a 16-boot footwear collection and with every purchase of these boots, $2 will benefit the Yele Haiti Foundation, a grassroots movement he founded to support reforestation in his homeland, Haiti. In 2005, Jean founded Yele Haiti to build global awareness for Haiti and helping the country through education, sports, arts and environment programs.

Due to his background, Wyclef Jean is now one of six Earthkeeper Heroes within Timberland’s 2009 Earthkeepers program, which aims to catalyze a movement of environmental and social activists. This partnership will combine music, product, digital and social media, service events and concerts to motivate and inspire fans and consumers to take action in protecting the environment. Jean commented:

“It is not common to find an agreement between an individual and a corporation with so many altruistic synergies. I am truly humbled and excited to begin our journey together. Timberland is not only a brand I have worn as long as I can remember, but now I feel I have gained a friend in Jeff [Swartz, Timberland's President and CEO] and the respect of what is beyond a brand. I have the utmost respect for what he and his company stand for not only in its legacies but in its future. I am looking forward to making change together.”

Jeff Swartz, CEO and President of Timberland also stated:

“Wyclef is a real-life Earthkeeper who shares our purpose and passion. The work he’s doing in Haiti is a reminder that we all have the power to inspire change – and that joining forces may lead to even greater accomplishments. Between his fans and our customers, you can expect to see big things from this collaboration.”

The collection is designed to be eco-conscious, made only from recycled and organic materials. There’s also a special “Tree” t-shirts, designed by Haitian art students from the FOSAJ Art School and these t-shirts will be sold at Timberland retail stores worldwide and also online at www.timberland.com. Every $1 gained from the t-shirt sales will also be donated to the Yele Foundation. After doing good in style, Timberland still has another perk for you: during the 2009 holiday season, Earthkeepers consumers are entitled to receive a free CD copy or downloadable EP of DJ Drama presents Wyclef Jean A.K.A. Toussaint St. Jean From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion. Jean is also set to release his own album in March 2010 and you can expect select tracks from this forthcoming album in various Timberland future promotions. Meanwhile, note this performance schedule down if you’re a Wyclef Jean fan:

Sneaker Villa in Philadelphia – November 4
Timberland New York City flagship store, 474 Broadway – November 5
Jimmy Jazz – November 19
Underground Station in Atlanta – December 3

The Wyclef Jean x Timberland Earthkeepers Collection will be available late November 2009, nationwide.