Keds® Unveils New Global Multimedia Campaign; Debuts New Grant Giving Program And Microsite

LEXINGTON, Mass., Feb. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Keds®, the iconic lifestyle brand established in 1916, announces today the largest multimedia campaign in its history. Titled Million Brave Acts, the campaign introduces several new initiatives that will help build a generation of stronger, more confident young women.

"We believe that young women can achieve anything, it just takes the right type of support," said Rick Blackshaw, president, Keds®. "The new campaign solidifies our efforts to provide young women with tools and resources that will help them realize their full potential, and celebrate and inspire bravery in ways both big and small."

Million Brave Acts is anchored by the launch of the Keds® Brave Life Project™, a pioneering new program created in partnership with the internationally recognized nonprofit Girls Leadership Institute. Together, they will encourage girls to take positive risks, develop practical skills, and build supportive networks through an educational toolkit series covering topics related to self-esteem, relationships, and personal growth; a summit that will bring together female industry and nonprofit leaders; and a commitment from Keds® to invest $150,000 in dream-fulfilling grants to be distributed throughout 2014.

"We're fortunate to be working with the Girls Leadership Institute and Co-Founder Rachel Simmons, who has an invaluable amount of experience with empowering young women to make change in their worlds," said Blackshaw. "Together, we've created an exciting online destination as well as a robust offline experience that encourages sharing and learning."

The online home for Keds® Brave Life Project™ is a new Bravehearts.com, a virtual community initially launched by Keds® in January 2013. The site is now the perfect combination of style and substance with dozens of new features that combine fun, fashion and instructional content. The site features style tutorials, product showcases, and how-to videos covering everything from crafts to cooking – many of which are user-generated – along with everyday brave challenges, personal stories, grant applications, and research and reading material.

The first grant wave focused on helping young women achieve their career goals is now accepting applications through March 21, 2014, on Bravehearts.com.

About Keds®
In 1916 Keds® redefined footwear with the introduction of the Champion sneaker.  The simple and chic design ignited a style revolution, capturing the hearts of girls everywhere from fashion icons to the girl next door. Today, Keds® is a head-to-toe fashion lifestyle brand fueled by a passion for imagination, inspiring a new generation of girls to stay authentic, optimistic and brave.  For more information, please visit www.Keds.com.  Keds is a division of Wolverine Worldwide, the world's leading maker of casual, work, outdoor, athletic and children's footwear.

SOURCE Keds