Patriot, Knick to help Kmart promote Protege campaign

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart announced that Roger Mason, Jr. of the New York Nets and Deion Branch of the New England Patriots will be featured in the company's social campaign for Protege, the company's exclusive footwear and apparel collection.

During September, Kmart said its campaign aims to rally young men to give back to their communities and can be digitally signed on the Protege Facebook Page. The campaign will live online through a website displaying the Pledge, along with videos and links to the brand's Facebook and Twitter pages. On Sept. 2, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. EDT, Mason, Jr. and Branch will tweet live utilizing the hashtag #protegemvp, to discuss the Pledge and ways to give back.

In addition to the Pledge, Kmart will donate $1 for each eligible pair of Protege shoes purchased through Dec. 31 split equally between the Amateur Athletic Union of America (AAU) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with a minimum donation of $100,000 to each charity. Protege is also a sponsor of the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend, engaging over 100 African-American men each weekend.

"Since the launch of the Protege brand, our team has been committed to giving back to the communities we serve," said Nick Grayston, president of Kmart's footwear division. "And now through the Protege Movement, we have a great opportunity to help encourage young people to make a difference, and continue to support the message of giving back."