<P> Leather goods have been at the heart of Roots since the company's inception in 1973 when they began making leather shoes in Toronto . The Roots factory was under the direction of Jan Kowalewski and his four sons (Richard, Stan, Henry and Karl). They stressed quality and Canadian craftsmanship, which could be seen in Roots ads from 1974 and early 1975, where Roots launched a continent - wide advertising campaign "City Feet Need Roots" created by David Parry . These advertisements could be seen on the TTC, magazines and newspapers in North America . Today, the Kowalewski's continue to run the factory . </P> <P> The company has an environmental commitment, which includes using recycled, reclaimed and non-toxic materials in the building of stores; making sustainable products; supporting environmental organizations and related projects . Roots has supported environmental organizations throughout its history including: The Rainforest Foundation, Ecology House, Waterkeeper Alliance, Toronto Green Awards, David Suzuki Foundation, Stop Global Warming Fund, Centre For Environmental Education (Antioch New England Graduate School), World Wildlife Fund, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Flick Off, Earth Hour, and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada . </P> <P> Roots has a Community Support program that provides assistance to charitable organizations including Rethink Breast Cancer, Canadian Blood Services, AIDS Conference, Right to Play, Free the Children, War Child Canada, World Vision, ThinkFirst Canada, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada . </P> <P> Over the years, Roots has supported Canadian athletes such as Razor Ruddock, Kurt Browning, Alexandre Despatie, Catriona Le May Doan, Eric Lamaze, Jamie Salé / David Pelletier, Ross Rebagliati, Elvis Stojko, The Canadian Speed Skating Team, Adam van Koeverden, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir . </P>

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