Social Responsibilities
How We Give Back
Boathouse is committed to conducting business with suppliers who respect human rights and who respect and preserve the environment.
The Melissa Fund
After graduating from McGill University with a BA in Economics and Political Science, Melissa entered the family business as a sales clerk in one of Boathouse's Toronto locations. With a natural flair for the business, she became the Purchasing Director for the company within a few years. Then came the unthinkable... a diagnosis of cancer.
Melissa passed away April 1, 1999 at the age of 31.
Just before Melissa's passing, the Katzman family began a Research Foundation in her name - The Melissa Fund - to support cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. Today that fund has exceeded $3 million. The fund is supported by personal donations from Arlie and Jamie Katzman, family, friends, and associates. Arlies & Boathouse also raise over $150,000 within their stores each year through various donation programs.
Melissa Katzman Education Fund
Each year, one Boathouse team member is chosen to receive a scholarship grant, to be used for their post-secondary education. In keeping with Melissa Katzman’s passion for learning, Boathouse hopes to contribute positively to the education of one team member per annum who exemplifies the core values of the company.
Our Brands
TOMS
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.® Realizing this movement could serve other basic needs, TOMS Eyewear was launched. With every pair purchased, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need. One for One.® To date, TOMS has given over 10 million pairs of shoes to children in need.
