Charles River Apparel announces new charitable partners

Charles River Apparel has announced new partnerships with All Hands and Hearts, American Rivers, and the Pan-Mass Challenge, further expanding its long-standing Charles River Cares program. These organizations — leaders in disaster relief, environmental conservation, and cancer research — align with the company’s mission to drive meaningful social and environmental impact.

Since launching Charles River Cares in 2010, the third-generation, family-owned company has remained deeply committed to philanthropy. In 2024 alone, Charles River Apparel contributed over $300,000 in monetary and product donations, supporting causes ranging from cancer research to disaster relief. Now, the company is strengthening this commitment by defining four key focus areas that will guide its giving strategy moving forward: cancer and wellness, homelessness and poverty, environmental conservation, and disaster relief.

“For us, giving back isn’t just something we do — it’s part of our DNA,” said Jason Lipsett, president of Charles River Apparel. “As a family-owned business, we believe in using our platform to make a real difference, and we’re honored to partner with organizations that share our dedication and values.”

2025 Charles River Cares partners

All Hands and Hearts leads disaster relief efforts, providing immediate aid and long-term rebuilding for communities impacted by disasters. Earlier this year, Charles River Apparel donated $10,000 to the organization through a show-special sample sale at PPAI Expo, reinforcing its commitment to helping communities recover from devastating events.

“When disaster strikes, communities need more than immediate relief: they need long-term support to rebuild stronger and more resilient than before,” said Nate Mook, CEO of All Hands and Hearts. “The most effective recovery happens when organizations are united by a shared commitment to strengthening communities for the future. Charles River Apparel’s commitment to disaster relief through this partnership ensures that families recovering from devastation receive the sustained help they need. We’re grateful for their generosity and dedication to making a real impact.”

American Rivers is a national conservation organization that works to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. This cause is particularly meaningful to Charles River Apparel, whose namesake is inspired by the Charles River, the longest river in Massachusetts. In recognition of this new partnership, Charles River Apparel recently donated $25,000 to support American Rivers’ conservation efforts.

“Rivers provide much of our clean water, support thousands of wildlife species, and give us opportunities to connect with nature,” said Tom Kiernan, president and CEO of American Rivers. “American Rivers is grateful to Charles River Apparel for investing in the health of rivers in New England and beyond.”

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) has been a driving force in raising funds for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber) for more than 45 years. The bike-a-thon raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. In 2024, PMC riders raised a record-breaking $75 million, bringing its total fundraising to over $1 billion since 1980.

This new partnership holds deep personal significance for Barry Lipsett, CEO of Charles River Apparel, who has participated in the PMC for over 20 years and has raised over $130,000 for the organization. He now rides in honor of his sister, Susan, and mother, both of whom lost their battles with cancer. Many employees of Charles River Apparel have also participated in the PMC by riding and volunteering during PMC Ride Weekend, which takes place every August.

“The PMC is built on the collective dedication of our riders, volunteers, and partners who share a passion for our mission to fund lifesaving cancer research and treatment,” said Billy Starr, founder and chairman of the Pan-Mass Challenge. “We are grateful for Charles River Apparel’s support as a sponsor, and as riders, volunteers, and fundraisers, to help bring us Closer By The Mile to a world without cancer.”

According to the company, through these partnerships, Charles River Apparel is “deepening its commitment to social responsibility, ensuring its impact extends beyond apparel to transforming lives and communities.”