Vonua clothing company gives back to local non-profits

Kirkland-based clothing company Vonua will give 10 percent of its first month's sales to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission on Aug. 15. Vonua founder Andrew Jenkins will present the check to the mission in person.

Kirkland-based clothing company Vonua will give 10 percent of its first month’s sales to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission on Aug. 15. Vonua founder Andrew Jenkins will present the check to the mission in person.

The name Vonua comes from the Greek word νόημα meaning “purpose,” which refers to its business model. This west-coast style clothing company gives 10 percent of all sales to a specified non-profit organization each month.

Jenkins says, “Vonua is all about having fun and giving back.”

Vonua’s west-coast theme targets surfers, skateboarders, and snowboarders. Currently, Vonua sells two styles of t-shirts and one sweatshirt for both men and women that can be found on their Web site at www.vonua.com.

The success of TOMS Shoes has paved the way for companies such as Vonua. Blake Mycoskie created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need, in 2006. Since then, TOMS has given over 140,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world. Vonua looks to impact its local community much like TOMS has impacted remote villages around the world.