(Marketwired) -- Gildan (TSX: GIL)(NYSE: GIL) has been recognized with a Distintivo ESR(R) 2017 award, presented by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (Cemefi) and the Alliance for Corporate Social responsibility (AliaRSE) to companies in Latin America that meet their designated standards in the strategic areas of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The Distintivo ESR(R) aims to recognize companies' efforts to voluntarily and publicly undertake the commitment to implement socially responsible management and continuous improvement as part of their culture and business strategy. The Company received the award for its commitment to supporting communities in Honduras, having donated over $2.5 million to health and education-related projects in 2015/2016. Gildan remains the only recipient in the apparel sector in Honduras.

"We are proud of achieving this distinction once again this year, recognizing our efforts to be a valuable contributor in the countries where we operate," said Benito Masi, Executive Vice-President, Manufacturing. "Gildan understands that providing safe and healthy working conditions for our employees, supporting the fundamental needs of our communities and innovating to reduce our environmental footprint are key to our continued success and future growth."

Gildan was honoured with this distinction during an award ceremony in Mexico on May 4th, as part of the X Latin American Conference of Socially Responsible Companies. http://www.cemefi.org/esr/

About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality branded basic family apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear, socks, hosiery, and shapewear. The Company sells its products under a diversified portfolio of company-owned brands, including the Gildan(R), Gold Toe(R), Anvil(R), Comfort Colors(R), American Apparel(R), Alstyle(R), Secret(R), Silks(R), Kushyfoot(R), Secret Silky(R), Peds(R), MediPeds(R), and Therapy Plus(TM) brands. Sock products are also distributed through the Company's exclusive U.S. sock license for the Under Armour(R) brand, and a wide array of products are also marketed through a global license for the Mossy Oak(R) brand. The Company's products are sold in two primary markets, namely the printwear and retail markets. The Company distributes its products in printwear markets in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. In retail markets, the Company sells its products to a broad spectrum of retailers primarily in the U.S. and Canada and also manufactures for select leading global athletic and lifestyle consumer brands.

Gildan owns and operates vertically-integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, North America, and Bangladesh. These facilities are strategically located to efficiently service the quick replenishment needs of Gildan's customers. With over 48,000 employees worldwide Gildan operates with a strong commitment to industry-leading labour and environmental practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive corporate social responsibility program embedded in the Company's long-term business strategy. More information about the Company and its corporate citizenship practices and initiatives can be found at www.gildan.com and www.genuinegildan.com, respectively.

Gildan

Gildan

Gildan is a leading apparel manufacturing company, with a strong portfolio of brands, including Gildan^®, American Apparel^®, Comfort Colors^®, GOLDTOE^®, and Peds^®. With over three decades of developing global manufacturing expertise, Gildan is one of the world’s most efficient, ethical, and sustainable apparel manufacturers. Founded in Canada, Gildan operates out of roughly 30 locations in ten countries worldwide and sells its products in 60+ markets globally. Together with its 50,000 employees, Gildan operates with a proven commitment to industry-leading Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive ESG program embedded in the Company's long-term business strategy. More about the Company on gildancorp.com.

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