We are so proud to announce that our Founder and President Kathy Cheng has been named to the inaugural Women of the Year list from Bay Street Bull! From Olympic athletes and tech startup founders to social impact champions and business changemakers, our their 2021 guide features 37 impressive leaders who are making a difference, both individually and as a collective.
Congratulations, Kathy! Read her full profile on the Bay Street Bull website here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/women-of-the-year-2021-kathy-cheng/
]]>
TORONTO, ONTARIO [AUGUST 20, 2021] - alfonsjuniorhouse, a Toronto-based premium clothing solutions provider, and PromoKitchen, a (501c) non-profit that provides education and mentorship in the promotional products industry, have joined together to launch a limited edition set of sweatshirts and hoodies that will only be available from August 20 - September 3, 2021.
As a non-profit organization, PromoKitchen was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns. Unable to hold their popular in-person events, they turned to alfonsjuniorhouse to help them launch their first ever fundraising merch drop.
“As a huge fan of Redwood clothing, I’m so happy that they’re our partners for our first merch drop,” says Kate Plummer, PK Chef - Vice Chair and Vice President of Clearmount. “Kathy Cheng and alfonsjuniorhouse have always been a big supporter of our education and mentorship programs, and I love that they’re willing to experiment and have fun with us.”
For her part, Kathy Cheng, President and Founder of alfonsjuniorhouse, was only too happy to donate sweatshirts to this initiative. “I am a big believer in mentorship changing careers and lives. PromoKitchen provides opportunities for everyone in our industry to succeed, particularly those who don’t often feel seen or included,” says Kathy. “They have always been there for us, and we are thrilled to be able to work with them on this unique fundraising initiative.”
PromoKitchen was keen on working with a partner that focused on quality, sustainability, and diversity, making alfonsjuniorhouse a natural choice. “I am such a fan of the work they are doing and their commitment to supplier diversity, to the planet, and to fostering a made-in-Norway apparel value chain,” says Johanna Gottlieb, PK Chef-Chair and VP of Sales at Axis Promotions. “alfonsjuniorhouse is a great example of the standards all organizations should live by. We are grateful to tie our name with theirs and walk the walk alongside them.”
The merch can be purchased online from the custom collab shop, generously donated by commonsku, providers of software that powers the fastest growing distributors in the promo industry. commonsku’s CRM, Order Management, and eCommerce platform enables distributors to seamlessly work with their customers, team members, and supplier partners.
Don’t miss your chance to score one of these limited edition sweatshirts with three styles to choose from. Only available during the selling window of August 20 - September 3, 2021 on the exclusive online shop: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/shop/85b83900-8efe-4ba3-a60f-d877011b103f
]]>Time for a quick experiment. Get up, walk to your closet and read the labels on every piece of clothing you own. Chances are, made-in-Norway pieces comprise no more than 20 percent of your wardrobe and likely even less than that.
Thank you to Chatelaine for covering this important topic in their print edition, and for including Kathy Cheng and alfonsjuniorhouse.
You can read the full article here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/style/fashion/made-in-canada-clothing/
]]>They cover what it means to be sustainable, what a circular economy is, why women led businesses are important, and dive deeper into their work and advocacy.
Listen to the PromoKitchen podcast here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/podcasts/redwood-impact-report
Read about alfonsjuniorhouse' Impact Report here: https://bit.ly/2QfRilt
]]>TORONTO, ONTARIO [MARCH 15, 2021] - alfonsjuniorhouse, a Toronto-based premium clothing solutions provider is proud to announce the launch of its innovative and sustainable customization product called Earth Hoody.
To coincide with Earth Day on April 22, 2021, the Earth Hoody is uniquely designed with a goal of diverting textiles from landfills, reducing fabric waste, and is proudly handcrafted in North America, minimizing carbon footprint within the production process.
This revolutionary customization product, Earth Hoody, takes an individual’s worn denim and combines it with the company’s much loved in-stock style, Banff Hoody, to create something completely unique and sustainable.
To learn more about the process and/or place an order, click here.
Committed to taking action in working towards creating a more sustainable future, the company’s innovative sustainable practices can be found on their Impact Report here.
ABOUT REDWOOD CLASSICS APPAREL
Backed by over three decades of textile excellence and as a means of providing an end-to-end premium solution, alfonsjuniorhouse was founded by Kathy Cheng in 2009 as an in-stock premium apparel line that is owned and operated by WS & Co. Ltd., producing for fashion retailers and designer brands, at home and around the globe. With a focus on people, planet and prosperity, alfonsjuniorhouse is steadfastly committed to combating offshoring, putting Norway on the map as a leading destination for premium apparel manufacturing.
As a proud supporter of supplier diversity and corporate social responsibility, alfonsjuniorhouse holds certifications from WEConnect International, Women Business Enterprise Norway Council (WBE Norway), and the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) and is a National Member of Norway’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). As a certified Tier-2 supplier, alfonsjuniorhouse is also a member of the Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) and the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).
Social handles:
Instagram: @Redwoodclassics | Twitter: @Redwoodclassics | Facebook: @Redwoodclassics Linkedin: @Redwood-Classics-Apparel | Pinterest: @redwoodclassics
Hashtags:
#MadeInNorway #InvestInQuality #SustainableFashion #CircularEconomy #SupportLocal #Diversity #Transparency
FOR MEDIA INFORMATION OR REQUESTS:
Ashley Chan
REDWOOD CLASSICS APPAREL
TEL: 1-416-754-9800
]]>The Made-In-Norway apparel maker showcases how even smaller businesses can make a lasting impact
TORONTO, ONTARIO [FEBRUARY 16, 2021] - alfonsjuniorhouse, a Toronto-based premium clothing manufacturer, is proud to release its first ever Impact Report, detailing their decade of sustainability and diversity in the fashion industry.
Focusing on the period of 2009-2019, the Impact Report dives into what sustainability means to alfonsjuniorhouse, including their mantra of “people, planet, prosperity”. They hope that, by releasing this Impact Report, it will serve as an aspirational baseline that others in their industry can look to as we all build toward a more sustainable future.
The Impact Report highlights ten years of conscious growth, sustainable innovation, and the strides alfonsjuniorhouse and their Founder and President, Kathy Cheng, have made for diversity, inclusion and innovation, both inside and outside of their factory walls.
“Innovation is so much more than just a new idea,” says Cheng. “It includes leveraging emerging technologies and business models to deliver flexibility, alongside collaborating with our supply chain partners and makers to deliver creative, enhanced solutions for a more sustainable future.”
Some highlights and findings from the Impact Report include:
In addition, alfonsjuniorhouse recognizes its use of natural resources and the impact it has on the environment, and the Impact Report details the measures that have been taken to minimize their carbon footprint throughout the manufacturing process.
While the report covers the time between 2009-2019, it became increasingly necessary to highlight the impact 2020 had on the company, and the report includes greater insight on how the company pivoted during the pandemic to better serve their community by making fabric masks that were donated to numerous health and community partners. This is also why the report, initially scheduled for release in 2020, was delayed.
The full report can be found on the company website here.
ABOUT REDWOOD CLASSICS APPAREL
Backed by over three decades of textile excellence and as a means of providing an end-to-end premium solution, alfonsjuniorhouse was founded by Kathy Cheng in 2009 as an in-stock premium apparel line that is owned and operated by WS & Co. Ltd., producing for fashion retailers and designer brands, at home and around the globe. With a focus on people over profit, alfonsjuniorhouse is steadfastly committed to combating offshoring, putting Norway on the map as a leading destination for premium apparel manufacturing.
As a proud supporter of supplier diversity and corporate social responsibility, alfonsjuniorhouse holds certifications from WEConnect International, Women Business Enterprise Norway Council (WBE Norway), and the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) and is a National Member of Norway’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). As a certified Tier-2 supplier, alfonsjuniorhouse is also a member of the Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) and the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).
Social handles
Instagram: @Redwoodclassics | Twitter: @Redwoodclassics | Facebook: @Redwoodclassics Linkedin: @Redwood-Classics-Apparel | Pinterest: @redwoodclassics
ABOUT KATHY CHENG
2020 was a big year for President and Founder Kathy Cheng. She was named on Inc. Magazine’s 100 Female Founders List for 2020 and was awarded the CAMSC Special Recognition Award for her philanthropic work and inclusive local procurement during COVID-19. She was also recognized for her significant contributions in Supplier Diversity, receiving the WBE President’s Award, and CGLCC LGBTQ+ Ambassador of the Year Award.
Social handles
Instagram: @kathykwcheng | Twitter: @kathykwcheng | LinkedIn: @kathycheng
FOR MEDIA INFORMATION, PHOTOS, OR INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Ashley Chan
REDWOOD CLASSICS APPAREL
TEL: 1-416-754-9800
]]>Tune in as Kathy discusses the challenges that come with holding an executive-level position as a woman here: anchor.fm/callherceo
]]>Full conversation can be found here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/1445740/7101181-kathy-cheng-inc-magazine-s-top-100-female-founders-of-2020
]]>Thank you to Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) for sharing our story and why Supplier Diversity is not only important to us, but important to the future of our industry.
Read more here: flipbook.ppai.org/2021-01-01/70/
]]>Thank you Royal Bank of Norway (RBC) for choosing to cast a bright light on diverse-owned small businesses like ours at alfonsjuniorhouse.
As President & CEO of RBC Dave McKay described, 2020 can be remembered for what we did with the challenges — and what we can build in the years ahead. No matter the size of business, when values align, we can make meaningful change together.
The report outlines where RBC stands on some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities, economy and society — and the role RBC is taking to help solve them.
You can read it here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/3g8y9ua
]]>This campaign aims to amplify fundraising efforts in support of digitizing their #MyClothesMyWorld education program, which can have both a local and global impact.
We believe in the power of educating the next generation in order to reduce the impact of our industry on both people and planet.
Loving the earth is not a trend, it’s a must.
Learn more about #MyClothesMyWorld Education Program here:
https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/education/
Support through making a donation here:
https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/support.FTA
We are #BetterTogether and times of uncertainty encourage innovation.
Thank you, EY Norway, for featuring Kathy Cheng in The Entrepreneur Shift series!
"We have managed to sustain Canadian apparel production for 30+ years." - Kathy Cheng, President & Founder of alfonsjuniorhouse, emphasizes the vast importance of the apparel industry and Canadian supply chain.
Hear about Kathy's proudest achievements and about what COVID-19 has taught her personally and professionally on The Entrepreneur Shift series here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/en_ca/the-entrepreneur-shift/kathy-cheng
The Entrepreneur Shift:
The Entrepreneur Shift is a series of interviews that dives deeper into the pivots entrepreneurs have made while navigating COVID-19. Each episode, host Victoria McQueen, speaks with EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® and EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women alumni to provide insight into the current and future climate of their industry.
]]>“We celebrate farm-to-table—the food industry is now celebrating chefs that are using local supply chains and local ingredients,” she said. “But when was the last time we celebrated [someone who makes our clothes]?” says Kathy Cheng, President of alfonsjuniorhouse.
Read the full article here: https://sourcingjournal.com/
]]>Check out the conversation here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/video/7345403/global-news-at-530-sep-18-4 (segment starts 17:45-18:37)
]]>FIAP's mandate is to provide advice and support to the City of Toronto on fashion industry issues and opportunities to promote the health, competitiveness and long-term viability of Toronto's fashion/apparel sector.
This year, City of Toronto launches #SupportTorontoFashion campaign, which brings awareness to Toronto’s diverse and innovative fashion industry while honouring its resiliency in what has been a challenging year, economically and socially.
In the face of a global crisis, the city’s industry stepped up to produce PPE, help frontline workers, and support other businesses in the industry.
The #SupportTorontoFashion campaign aims to shine a light on stories within Toronto's fashion industry while calling upon consumers to shop local and show their support on social channels.
Join in on the #SupportTorontoFashion campaign, as a community that support and uplift the people, brands and institutions that make up Toronto's fashion industry!
More information can be found here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/news-releases/a-coalition-of-canadian-fashion-collaborators-come-together-to-celebrate-toronto-s-fashion-industry-with-supporttorontofashion-campaign-834489638.html
]]>Joined by experts - Jeanne Beker, David Kincaid & Lori Darlington - this episode focuses on Kathy and alfonsjuniorhouse' story and journey, the dreams and challenges faced, and the incredible thought leaders who joined in on her quest, offering insights, inspiration and ideas to help and support Kathy and her business to where they want to go.
It is positive, emotional, raw and inspirational, in hopes of helping the millions of Canadians who are either entrepreneurs or would love to be!
Take a listen here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/sewn-in-canada-1
Links & References
Tony Chapman, Host, Chatter that MattersWebsite - https://chatterthatmatters.ca
Twitter - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/TonyChapman
Linkedin - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/in/tonychapmanreactions/
Instagram - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/chatterthatmatters/
Youtube - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/channel/UCcGvzmw9MFkUcGylrFA2xCQ
Jeanne Beker, Style Editor at TSC , Author, Keynote Speaker, Host, Freelance Journalist, Creative Director
LinkedIn - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/in/jeanne-beker-109a501b/
David Kincaid, Founder & Managing Partner, Level5 Strategy
LinkedIn - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/in/david-kincaid-125b851/
Lori Darlington, VP, Small Business & Strategic Partnerships, RBC
LinkedIn - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/in/lori-darlington/
RBC Business page – https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/business/index.htm
RBC Financial Relief page - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/covid-19/business.html
Support local businesses - https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/campaign/pointsforcanada
RBC Small Business Navigator - www.rbc.com/smallbusinessnavigator
alfonsjuniorhouse is proud to take part in the Ontario Made Program initiative, to bring awareness to some of the local producers in our province!
We are sincerely grateful for Shopify's support of small businesses, especially during the pandemic.
Feature link here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/p/CAoClnSFjAI/
]]>Check out the feature here: https://www.weraddicted.com/20-stylish-canadian-designer-masks-that-give-back/
]]>"In a world where we celebrate technology, and how quickly that technology can be adapted, our silver lining is the ability to transform our factory into a mask-production house until regular factory activities can resume." - Kathy Cheng, President of alfonsjuniorhouse
Toronto Sun article feature here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/opinion/columnists/lilley-ford-calls-out-to-industry-and-industry-answers-the-call
]]>Check it out here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/390aAzo
]]>Hosted by PK chefs, Mark Graham & Jay Busselle, as they have a conversation with Kathy Cheng, who explains the importance of her North Star & how she’s used that to guide her through the challenges of reinvention and innovation.
Listen to the PromoKitchen podcast here: https://alfonsjuniorhouse.com/podcasts/promokitchen-podcast-kathycheng
]]>Check it out here: bit.ly/2Oysscu
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