KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Attention to detail, timing and hard work are what turn T-shirts at GoEx into more than just clothes, but purchases for a purpose.
“In order to help those families that are being impacted by the unemployment rates in Haiti, we started a facility called Life SA where we produce t-shirts,” Engagement Director Ryan Hudnall said.
So how does it work?
Fabric is bought here in the U.S. and then shipped to Haiti, where T-shirts are put together.
“In Haiti, we're employing roughly 150 people, all getting paid a fair wage for their work,” Hudnall said.
Then, the T-shirts are brought back to KC for screen printing. The money made from sales goes back to Haiti and helps care for kids through the Global Orphan Project.
“It's not only designed to create jobs here in Kansas City, but it's to support jobs in Haiti,” Hudnall said. “We're vertically integrated.”
GoEx is a part of the Global Orphan Project, a faith-based organization hoping to break the orphan cycle internationally.
GoEx creates T-shirts for churches, businesses, event sponsors, among other entities.
“It's not just a short-term impact, it's a long term-impact for their lives and their families lives, and generations to come will be changed,” Hudnall said.
Hudnall said it's a mission he draws from personal experiences.
“I spent a lot of time in residential care facilities from our local church partners across the globe, and I've met these really tender kids who are so vulnerable,” Hudnall said.
While some may never know or meet who they help, Hudnall said seeing the impact these t-shirts have done for families, is enough to make him to continue to make change.
“In every aspect of my life, from how I donate, to I spend my time to how I purchase, those are the treasures I'm seeking out in life,” he said.
He said he hopes to provide more orphan prevention efforts across the globe.
“Every person's voice is important, and we all need to come together to work together to help those who are most in need,” Hudnall said.
