Donations, Free Instagram Workouts and Discounts Part of Brand’s Giving Back Effort
Go Dash Dot, the maker of stylish and functional bags for women, today unveiled a new program designed to benefit healthcare workers fighting against COVID19, as well as a public dealing with socially distanced, at-home stay orders. Called “INSPIRE,” the effort is the brainchild of Go Dash Dot founder Hannah Fastov and includes donations of bags to medical workers and staff, free Instagram workouts for people at home, and steep discounts on Go Dash Dot merchandise available online. Additionally, the company is donating 10 percent of its monthly sales to Direct Relief, a non-profit working to equip doctors and nurses with life-saving medical resources to care for the world’s most vulnerable.
“Inspire is my response to the grim situation millions of Americans were facing,” says Fastov. “As a small business, I did not have millions of dollars to donate, or the ability to purchase personal protective gear for hospitals but wanted to do what I could to give back in a positive way. As we saw the reaction to Inspire and had the opportunity to get to know our community in a more personal way, we were able to shift the goals of Inspire to help in a more poignant way and give people what they actually needed during these uncertain times.”
Fastov began “Inspire” in March, at the dawn of the coronavirus explosion in the US. Owing to its roots as a bag that women could take to the gym, the brand launched free daily works on its live Instagram feed. Out of that came 30 percent discounts on its site and a 10 percent donation to Direct Relief.
“I believe in their mission and trust that the funds go directly to the people who need it,” Fastov says about the organization, which was created in 1948 and is active in all 5 states in 80 countries. The humanitarian organization works to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
Fastov expanded “Inspire” further after hearing from a nurse in Nashville, who had won a bag as part of Go Dash Dot’s daily giveaway.
“She was so excited to have won because the belt bag would be helpful to hold saline solutions and other items she needs to keep on her body while working with patients,” Fastov said. “She also noted the fact that they are machine washable is awesome so she can wash it between each shift.”
And so, Go Dash Dot will be donating a large percentage of its stock to healthcare providers fighting the coronavirus.
“Right now, we are starting with healthcare professionals in our home city of NYC, but we are turning to our community to connect us with healthcare professionals across the U.S. so we can organize more packages of bags to be delivered directly to those fighting the pandemic,” she said.
Giving back has always been at the root of Go Dash Dot.
“These are uncertain times and there is no right answer here,” says Fastov. “For me, I just want to do whatever I can to help those who need it.”
Go Dash Dot was launched by Fastov in 2016 and has gone on to create a collection of sophisticated, stylish and function bags that include totes, cross bodies, backpacks and gym bags, among others. “The Go Dash Dot woman is active, ambitious, and fun loving,” says Fastov. “One adventure leads to the next and she needs a bag that can keep up with her. We believe you should always carry your independence.”
