Let’s be honest, after the horror story of 2020 we’re all keeping this year’s New Year’s Resolutions as simple and achievable as possible. Personally, there’s one resolution I make every year and never stick to: to wear my glasses more and give my poor eyes a break from 24/7 contact lenses. Maybe I’m too vain or I simply don’t care enough about my eye health. But what if by wearing my glasses, I could also help a cause I’m far more passionate about: animal welfare? Enter Fetch Eyewear! Their gorgeous spectacles not only look great but 100% of the net proceeds from each purchase supports animal rescue, veterinary care, low-cost spay and neuter, and animal welfare education. How awesome is that?
Fetch was founded by tile designer and entrepreneur Ann Sacks, who sits on the advisory board of the Paul Newman Foundation, an honour only granted to companies donating 100% of profits to charity. That’s what makes Ann and her business so special: she takes no salary or compensation whatsoever. After paying vendors and employees, all profits are distributed to the Sacks family shelter, The Pixie Project and their low-income clinic, as well as to other animal organisations. But why spectacles? Well, after losing an expensive pair of reading glasses just days after buying them, Ann realised that you shouldn’t have to pay through the roof for attractive, quality eyewear. Instead, she decided to design and sell spectacles and sunglasses at a fair price, all the while supporting charities like her daughter Amy’s animal rescue.
Amy Sacks is another animal advocate and lifelong philanthropist. Her rescue, The Pixie Project, is a nonprofit that partners with county shelters from across the United States to give animals a second chance at a forever home. Pixie also works with the community to provide access to spay and neuter services, veterinary care and education. To date, Pixie Project has helped to facilitate thousands of successful adoptions.
As a vocal advocate of #adoptdontshop and guardian of an adopted dog myself, I can’t wait to get myself some new Fetch glasses and help animals in need while I do so! Here are some of the spectacles and sunnies I have my eye on…
Taylor in Amber Tortoise: I adore this colour and the wider shape is ideal for my massive face 🙂
Milo in Hickory Tortoise: I’m a sucker for anything in tortoise shell and these frames are a classic style that suits everybody.
Tracy in Fern: You don’t often see this olive colour in eyewear but it’s gorgeous. Ideal for the green-eyed (me!)
Lola Sun in Peach: I look at these and I’m instantly transported to a palm-lined beach somewhere divine, post-COVID obviously. Love them in blue too.
Bella Sun in Champagne: sunshine and champagne, what’s not to love in a pair of sunglasses?
Fetch also do men’s sunnies and glasses, and a great selection of reading glasses too. They ship internationally and for those of you in the US, shipping is completely free. What’s more, the frames are covered by a Lifetime Warranty against breakage and they offer a Try at Home package where you can select your favorite five frames, test them out, then return them for free.
I hope 2021 will see more companies like Fetch appearing in the UK as well as the US: businesses that make philanthropy stylish and fashion socially conscious, especially when it comes to animal welfare.
