PORTLAND, OR - December 8th, 2008 - Nau is proud to announce that for seven days it will donate 10% of every sale made through its website, nau.com, to its non-profit Partners For Change. Called "Gifts Of Change," this dramatic initiative aims to raise both awareness of and funds for the important work being done by the environmental, social and humanitarian organizations that make up Nau's five Partners For Change. It began today, and runs though midnight, December 15th.

Nau's decision to increase its level of giving from an industry leading 2% of sales to an incredible 10% of sales (and not simply profits) comes amidst a financial crisis that is damaging the ability of non-profits around the country to raise capital from large corporate donors during the crucial holiday season. Nationally, non-profit organizations are looking into an uncertain future as traditionally generous corporations fold. According to the Wall Street Journal, "The pipeline from corporate America to the nation's charities is starting to dry up, as losses in the stock market mount and the U.S. recession deepens."

"In the context of our current financial meltdown, we felt this was an important step to take to help counteract the reality that less money will flow to support the work of these incredible organizations. We hope that Gifts Of Change will raise awareness about our five partner organizations and the amazing work they do, and make a material contribution to those efforts," said Ian Yolles, Head of Marketing for Nau.

Nau's increased giving to meet this need reflects Nau's belief that business can be a catalyst for positive change. Founded on the principle of "doing well by doing good," the innovative Partners For Change program gives customers the power to choose which organization will receive their 10% donation. Nau's Partners For Change program includes environmental, social and humanitarian organizations that are consistently ranked as among the most innovative and effective organizations in the country. They include Ashoka, Ecotrust, Kiva.org, Mercy Corps and The Breakthrough Institute.

Nau's traditional 2% giving program already doubles the most generous previous benchmark for corporate philanthropy. Gifts Of Change goes even further, as 10% of sales represents over 140 times the national average for corporate philanthropy as a percentage of sales. Customers who purchase Nau products as gifts will thus be able to share two presents with their loved ones: the gift of a piece of stylish, sustainably-designed performance apparel, and the gift of a significant donation to an organization working for positive change.

The Partners For Change giving program has remained an integral part of Nau since their purchase by California clothing company Horny Toad in June of 2008. "The Partners for Change program is a key component of Nau's mission to make business a force for positive social and environmental change. Without it, Nau wouldn't be Nau. We're proud of our commitment and optimistic that as we grow as a company, we will be able to grow this program as well," said Yolles.

About Nau

Nau, Inc., headquartered in Portland, OR, is a technical and lifestyle outdoor apparel company dedicated to making unique, stylish and highly functional clothing in the most environmentally and socially responsible manner possible. Nau was founded in 2005 by a seasoned team with deep experience in the outdoor, fitness and retail fashion industries with brands such as Patagonia, Nike and The Body Shop. It introduced its first line of clothing in March of 2007 and is currently selling its third season. Nau, Inc. operates an ecommerce site at http://www.nau.com and a blog for like-minded individuals interested in sharing ideas about positive change, the Thought Kitchen http://blog.nau.com/ (both of which were acquired by Horny Toad as part of the acquisition of Nau's assets).

About Horny Toad
Based in Santa Barbara a Frisbee throw to the beach, Horny Toad makes active lifestyle apparel for all genders. "Every day is an adventure" is the fuel for unique clothing designs and a darn good way of life that includes taking fun seriously. Toad culture thrives on community involvement, sustainability and looking for new ways to improve how business gets done. To learn more visit
www.hornytoad.com or call 800-865-TOAD

Nau

Nau

Nau is a technical and lifestyle outdoor apparel company balancing beauty, performance and sustainability. A small group of people, committed to the power of business as a force for change, we are not just looking to make some new clothes, we are aiming to redefine what it means to be successful.

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