|
Red Crossers Wear Vintage T-shirts Their Way
Written by
Bonnie Gillespie
, Staff Writer and Photographer, RedCross.org
Thursday, December 02, 2004 — With a stylish shade of cargo green and a cotton/polyester blend that makes for a lean fit and soft feel, plus a fashion forward design evoking a vintage flair, the American Red Cross commemorative T-shirt looks little like the typical T-shirt from a favorite nonprofit or charity.
The Red Cross vintage tee has become a surprise hit with the American public. Celebrities, fashionistas and Red Crossers themselves have been spotted wearing the shirt in their own signature style.
"The colors in the Red Cross t-shirt are gorgeous together and compliment everything from my favorite jeans to a casual suit,” said Yvonne Omar, who works at Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “I am proud to show my support of the Red Cross with my everyday style."
Celebrities are among the fans of the hot-selling tee as well. Actress Julianne Moore was pictured in the August 23 US Weekly wearing her shirt, and the popular magazine even featured the Red Cross vintage tee as a “guilt-free holiday shopping” selection.
Joe Don Rooney, of country music group Rascal Flatts and American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet member, wore his T-shirt during an August concert, while actor
Josh Coxx who plays “Peter Riggs, R.N.” on the popular Lifetime Television drama Strong Medicine took his shirt to “work”—wearing the tee on an episode.
“This is definitely not a shirt you’d be wearing just to the gym or to bed or even to lounge around in,” said Darren Irby, Vice President of Public Relations for the American Red Cross. “We knew this was a pretty unique look for a nonprofit—let alone the Red Cross. The response has been absolutely phenomenal and exciting. We’ve actually sold out twice.”
The crew neck shirt, along with a knit kit are commemorative products developed as part of the organization’s commemoration of World War II and the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., in May of this year.
“Thanks to the organization’s long history, there are some really cool images to tap into and we’re looking into perhaps doing more vintage T-shirts,” Irby said.
Serving as a “walking billboard” for America’s oldest humanitarian organization, the vintage tee also reminds wearers and passersby alike of the vital lifesaving work of the Red Cross.
“The Red Cross offers many opportunities for people to give back to their community – through volunteering, donating blood and giving financially to help disaster victims,” said Kim Gube, with the Office of the National Chair of Volunteers for the Red Cross. “More than a million people already volunteer with the Red Cross, and these t-shirts will help remind others of that opportunity.”
The Red Cross commemorative T-shirt retails for $20.00 and is available at the organization’s online store at www.redcross.org.
Related Links:
|
