As part of its commitment to animal welfare and the environment, leading eyewear brand Owndays Philippines recently launched its second “Cases for Change” campaign at its flagship branch in SM Megamall. This year’s campaign theme centers on animal well-being and Owndays aims to raise awareness about the alarming challenges faced by the country’s animals, whether living domesticated lives or fending for themselves in the wild.
Eyewear brand Owndays Philippines, in partnership with local non-profit organizations advocating for animal well-being, namely Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Coastal Underwater Resource Management Action (CURMA), recently launched the special edition “Cases for Change” 2024, a campaign that aims to promote social responsibility, raise awareness about animal welfare and help fund initiatives such as the construction of the Philippine Eagle Conservation Breeding Sanctuary, releasing one million sea turtle hatchlings by 2030, and supporting emergency medical operations for animals rescued from cruelty and road accidents.
The special campaign features three stylish and unique eyeglass cases designed by graphic artist Kaira Cooper. Sold at P250, each case supports a particular organization. Proceeds will be donated to partner organizations to support their programs and contribute to a better and brighter future for animals.
Owndays regional manager Vohne Yao, an animal welfare advocate himself, acknowledged the efforts of the organizations for their hard work in promoting their advocacies. He also expressed his gratitude to the customers and fans of the brand who donated and supported their cause.
“We would not be able to make an impact this large if we didn’t have these partners. We can only do so much as an optical chain. These are the organizations that understand the problem with eagles, turtles, dogs and cats. They have the means, but some of them – if not all of them – lack the resources, particularly financial resources, to address the problem,” Yao told PeopleAsia.
During the launch, representatives from each organization also shared some inspirational stories and eye-opening realities.
CURMA program director Carlos Tamayo emphasized the critical role of sea turtles as keystone species in protecting the oceans. He shed light on the importance of safeguarding marine ecosystems and helping educate local fisherfolk who are often involved in illegal activities that endanger sea turtles. Since CURMA is launching a national campaign to release one million turtles by 2030, Tamayo said that this partnership with Owndays is instrumental in raising awareness and jumpstarting their movement.
Philippine Eagle Foundation education and development manager Khizia Steffan Madrona brought attention to the struggles of the Philippine eagle, emphasizing the urgent threat of deforestation to the country’s national birds and the need to preserve our rich cultural tapestry.
“Owndays is not only raising awareness about the plight of these iconic species, but also actively contributing to its conservation mission. Every purchase made through this campaign is a step towards safeguarding the future of the Philippine eagle and ensuring that it will continue to soar high in our skies for generations to come,” Madrona said.
Meanwhile, PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera highlighted the staggering numbers of 12 million stray cats and dogs in the Philippines, advocating for responsible pet ownership and sharing a powerful sentiment that “what we do to the animals, we ultimately do to ourselves.”
Since this is the PAWS’ second time partnering with Owndays Philippines, Cabrera applauded Yao’s efforts to make a change by putting words into action.
“I always tell Vohne, thank you for seeing us — not just literally seeing the animals who are in need but also for seeing the organization’s need to be funded and supported financially. He took action. He thought of this event, so people purchasing from Owndays can also contribute to the change,” Cabrera said.
First launched in 2019, the Cases for Change campaign has reportedly raised P500,000 for each partner organization, garnering P1.5 million in total. This year, the campaign aims to raise P2 million for each organization.
Yao further explained that they wanted to do the campaign on a bigger scale after initially seeing its success and impact it did. He shared that PAWS hugely benefitted from the funds it received in 2019 as it helped in supporting and continuing its operations during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“The problem is bigger than anyone. We hope that through [Owndays], we can raise awareness and raise funds for these organizations. All we supply is the venue to be able to do that,” Yao concluded. — Ma. Angelica Demegillo
The limited edition “Cases for Change” designs are now available at all Owndays stores nationwide until June 1 or until supplies last. For more information, follow Owndays Philippines on Facebook and Instagram at @owndaysph.
