THE NEW ENROU 

by Enrou Founders, Ann Wang & Jessica Willison

Origin – The Why

It floors us to think that where we were born determined our future -- if we had access to opportunity, to an environment that allowed us to build our own path and utilize our abilities to create value. We were simply lucky—blessings that we did nothing to deserve.

This realization has always given us purpose… a purpose that is so clear it almost hurts. We are not here to “save the poor” or give our lifestyle to those in need. We are here because we believe that there are realities -- realities of fear, of lack, of pain, of hope, of suffering, of love -- that all humans commonly experience.

We believe that it is unacceptable that others, just like us, do not have the same chance at building a future for themselves and their families. There are 1.2 billion people who suffer from extreme poverty globally. This has to change. We can disrupt this status quo with something that is so simple and already embedded in our daily lives - shopping. We can activate a generation to care through their purchases, to make one decision differently and understand the massive ripple effect that that one decision can make on another’s future.

The Problem

Poverty is the lack of access to opportunity. There are individuals that are just as capable, smart, and driven as we are, but are trapped in a cycle of poverty. They are unable to build a livelihood: they lack resources and local capital, and are often stuck in a never-ending cycle of need.

It is often not sustainable to donate free access to goods and services because this can create a deeper cycle of dependency. Enrou exists to bring our creators tangible value in their skills, embedding knowledge, value, and capital into the local economy & community. Teach a man to fish, and you can slowly chip away at the cycle of poverty.  

Purpose

Enrou exists to provide global access to opportunity by activating a generation to care through their purchases. Through the power of transforming consumerism and adding value and intent to an action that is already part of our everyday culture, Enrou can level the playing field and bridge the gap. Enrou is a meeting point where “you” in your daily actions can break this cycle of poverty, and create an open road of access.

Your Role

This is where you come in. We know that tackling an issue as grand as global poverty that affects over 1.2 billion people is daunting -- if not impossible. But we do not believe that there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

In fact, it’s already happening. Each of our impact partners does so daily and the results have already been astounding! Malti from JOYN is no longer on the streets of India and can now care for her 3 younger siblings. Lamunu Irene became a homeowner when she moved her and her family from a small hut to a more permanent 6-room brick home built on the land she saved up as a seamstress for Mend. Mannix from The Giving Keys now has both reliable work and income; more importantly he has an infectious excitement for his future as a web programmer.

Now, multiply these stories by 1,000; 2,000; 10,000 people. 1.2 billion becomes a little bit smaller. Together, we slowly begin to chip away at the cycle of poverty.

All that’s missing now is your involvement. Share these stories of potential, hope, and success. Share how important it is to shop from compassionate companies that provide dignified work to their employees. And with Enrou, Shop to Empower to continue to bring opportunity to those like Malti, Lamunu Irene, and Mannix all around the world.