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New England Free Jacks Pledge 1% of Annual Revenue to Sustainability Initiatives Becoming the First Professional Sports Organization to Join 1% for the Planet

Partnership Expands Free Jacks Commitment to Environmental Stewardship, Supporting the Mission to Make the World a Better Place Through the Sport of Rugb

BOSTON, MA – October 13, 2021 – The New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby (MLR), join 1% for the Planet as the first professional sports organization globally to join as a business member. As part of 1% for the Planet the Free Jacks have committed to donate 1% of annual revenue to support non-profit organizations focused on initiatives that support food accessibility, clean water, waste reduction, and effective land management. The Free Jacks are set to partner with up to four New England based grantees, to be announced later this month, for the 2021 fiscal year and look forward to building long term partnerships with local organizations working to make our region and our world a better place.

“At the Free Jacks we are committed to building a global community rooted in making the world a better place through the great sport of rugby,” commented Free Jacks CEO and Co-Founder, Alex Magleby. “The values of our organization extend beyond the rugby field, and we are delighted to be a part of more sustainable solutions at home by supporting New England based groups actively making a better world for future generations. We look forward to sharing our time as volunteers as well as our resources to better learn about and share the ways we can work together towards a healthier world.” 

1% for the Planet pairs member businesses and individuals with their global network of environmental nonprofits to create high-impact partnerships that amplify the impact of giving and drive true on-the-ground change. As the Free Jacks begin this journey with 1% for the Planet, it will donate money, time and resources to a carefully selected a group of New England based 1% network nonprofits.

This partnership provides the Free jacks an incredible opportunity to use resources to support projects with the same mission. The Free jacks look forward to continuing to learn from business and non-profit partners as part of 1% for the Planet and concurrently develop sustainable business practices at their live and sports entertainment events.“Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes. We’re excited to welcome the New England Free Jacks to our global movement,” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.

By contributing 1% of annual sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet’s global members have raised over $300 million to support approved environmental nonprofits around the globe. Nonprofits are approved based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Thousands of nonprofits worldwide are currently approved.

The Free Jacks are set to begin their second full season in Major League Rugby kicking off in February 2022. Fans can learn more about the excitement of the upcoming season as well as membership and ticket access to the home match festivals at their new home, Veterans Memorial Stadium, in Quincy, MA, at freejacks.com

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About New England Free Jacks

The Free Jacks are an aspiring and innovative live events, media, and consumer products organization. The core brand in the portfolio is The New England Free Jacks, the humble hard-working free-spirited professional rugby team competing in the emergent and exhilarating Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional rugby competition. For more information, please visit www.FreeJacks.com.

About 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. We inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. We make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our business members and individual members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to our approved nonprofit partners to date. Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental nonprofits working toward a better future for all. 

Look for our logo to purchase for the planet, learn more and join at onepercentfortheplanet.org.