2016 Catalogue
creates high-quality, fashionable bags. Our bags help 18-29 year olds who want to look good and do good
Ebenezer means “rock of help.” At EbenGroup, we want to be just that, help.
Our Story In 2009, Emily Whitson, Founder of EbenGroup, spent a summer in Ethiopia serving disadvantaged youth. One afternoon on a walk to the market, she met the three boys pictured below, Mel, Al, and Kambou. They followed her around the village pretending to be her bodyguards. Curious, she asked, “Why aren’t you in school?” They explained they were forced to drop out because they couldn’t afford something many of us take for granted: a pencil. They are not alone. They represent 3 of the 51 million children that cannot go to school because they do not have the means. The strife of the students resonated deeply with the visiting American. Upon her return stateside, Emily embarked on a journey that became a movement beyond her personal moralities to connect peoples, countries, and activists to move as one towards the aid of students denied access to education. Emily parlayed her business learning into a working concept and founded EbenGroup. The premise was basic: create products that have a reciprocal positive impact on education. The answer came to be as simple as the product is basic: A rucksack. For each rucksack sold, one is donated full of school supplies to a child in need. In addition, 10% of profits are donated to help children get access to education.
Our Impact We believe that education is the key to breaking poverty cycles and restoring nations. Our donation process is designed to have the greatest impact, while leaving the smallest footprint. All of our donated backpacks and school supplies are bought in the beneficiary country to stimulate the local economy and preserve cultural norms. In addition, we create a sustainable impact by partnering with NGOs that are locally run. By providing children with the necessary school supplies, drop out rates decrease. With each grade completed, future employment opportunities and wages increase. Thus, improving their quality of life and the likelihood their children will receive an education.
The EbenPak The EbenPak is a durable, trendy rucksack made with genuine leather, 18 oz canvas, and brass accents. The design was inspired by the original military rucksacks of WWI, and is manufactured by a Tier 1 manufacturer, Vanguard International, which adheres to high quality standards and fair wages for fair labor. Not only is the EbenPak an aesthetic product that carries a lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee, it also connects our customers to the cause. Currently, we are expanding our line to include a messenger, vegan tote, and canvas lunch pack.
Plenty of pockets
Genuine leather handles for durability
Authentic canvas
Tubular webbed straps for added comfort
Natural Black Camel
Our Partners United States - Back to School Celebration RI and Education in Action RI Cote d’Ivoire - SOS Abobo and 1040i Cambodia - Haley’s House and unnamed locally ran orphanage
Publications Southern Living Magazine - Style Section - June 2014 Hooplaha - http://hooplaha.com/tag/eben-group/
Emily Whitson - Founder and CEO p: 855-323-6435 c: 405-887-2454 e: emily.whitson@ebengroup.com
Candace McCreary - Co-founder p: 855-323-6435 c: 405-830-1506 e: candace.mccreary@ebengroup.