Together for a good cause: the collaboration between share and Mister Spex

In an inspiring conversation with Ben Unterkofler, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of share, we delve into the origins of share, its mission and the impressive collaboration with Mister Spex.

The idea behind share was born from the realisation that just 70 cents can provide a meal for a starving person. Ben, a former actor turned political activist, was looking for a meaningful purpose in his career. The journey led him to co-founder Sebastian Stricker, and together they developed the successful donation app “ShareTheMeal”. Building on this success, share was born – a platform where everyday products effortlessly contribute to social projects.

The share team is driven by the belief that everyday consumption can be a positive force. With impressive statistics showing annual donations of five billion euros compared to 1.9 trillion euros spent on consumption, Ben emphasises the potential to bridge this gap: share strives to simplify altruism and enable individuals to contribute to social causes through their everyday purchases.

Together with Mister Spex, share’s collaboration has already helped more than 1000 people who lack basic optical care to get glasses. That’s 1000 people who now have better access to education and work, but also to social life and can move and participate more confidently in their community.

The co-operation between share and Mister Spex combines product excellence and social impact. With Mister Spex’s expertise in eyewear manufacturing and share’s commitment to social initiatives, the collaboration ensures that with every pair of glasses purchased, another pair of glasses is provided to someone who would otherwise not have access to optical care. The initiative, in collaboration with OneDollarGlasses in Burkina Faso, ensures a meaningful impact with every eyewear purchase. Click here for the joint collection.

For share, sustainability encompasses both environmental and social aspects. The social core of share is deeply rooted in the company’s DNA and is not just a mission, but actually a foundation of its existence. With a dedicated department that monitors social and environmental impact, share strives to minimise its environmental footprint, improve packaging sustainability and select responsible suppliers.

Ben shares a heartwarming story about Constant, the first visually impaired eyewear producer trained by EinDollarBrille e.V. Constant produces around 175 pairs of glasses a month with a bending machine, supporting his family – a transformative demonstration of initiative and collaboration.

Ben encourages individuals to follow their gut, utilise social and sustainable alternatives and support brands that are making a positive impact. Small daily choices together can make a significant difference.

In 2023, share has ventured into banking and telecoms to capitalise on the huge potential for social impact in these sectors. While share continues to strengthen its core business, the long-term goal is a future where all products inherently contribute to social or environmental causes. Mister Spex is partnering with share on this meaningful journey. Together we can create a world where every purchase changes lives.

Photo credits: Bedar Ouagadougou, Ahmadiya Paul Siebler, Roland Bilger, EinDollarBrille

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