Typhoon Haiyan is one of the most destructive typhoons ever recorded. Images of its devastating effects in the Philippines when it hit in November 2013 traveled around the globe. A small pet company based in Batavia, Ill., Oscar Newman, decided to take action. The founders of Oscar Newman, Charisa Antigua and Carmina O’Connor hail from the Philippines. Each has family living there still.
Antigua and O’Connor have made it their mission to support the environment and animals in the United States and in the Philippines. When the typhoon hit, they felt they had to do more.
Oscar Newman is known primarily for luxury pet clothing, comprised of hand embellished apparel for pets, including popular hand-smocked dresses for dogs. In August 2009, the company launched an line of organic coconut oil supplements and treats for pets, called CocoTherapy. Their USDA-certified organic virgin coconut oil, organic coconut chips, and organic coconut flour come from their family-owned farm and manufacturing facility in the Philippines and all their pet treats are manufactured in the United States. The Philippines is one of the top producers of coconut oil, said Antigua. The country has given us so much of its resources, and we felt that we had to give back to the people as well, especially now, during this time of need.”
Black Friday and the weekend after Thanksgiving is one of the strongest shopping times of the year for Oscar Newman. The company decided to pledge 100 percent of their proceeds from four days of sales, to help the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. “We are donating 100 percent of our proceeds from both wholesale and retail sales,” said O’ Connor. “After the news of the storm, we received a barrage of emails and calls from our wonderful customers asking how they could help. So we wanted to provide a way to continue to offer our services to them, and at the same time, enable them to help the Philippines. It was win-win for all.”
The company donated to two organizations, Operation Blessing International and Philippine Animal Welfare Society, charities designated to help typhoon survivors.
Oscar Newman luxury pet couture is available at fine boutiques in the United States and throughout the world.
