TLC Fetes 20 Years by Giving Back

Licensing agency celebrates 20 years with international campaign for Railway Children.

TLC, a division of Global Brands Group, is celebrating its 20th year in business by pledging to raise more than $50,000 for international children’s charity Railway Children in a fundraising campaign called TLC20.

The agency is bringing together its 16 offices around the world to launch the six-month fundraising effort for Railway Children, which protects children from a life on the streets.

TLC staff will participate in challenges including cycling 2,000 kilometers, running the London Marathon, walking the 3 Peaks and sky diving 15,000 feet in the Nevada desert.

The TLC20 campaign begins today with a sponsored round of the world Interoffice Bikeathon, which will see TLC’s international offices attempt to collectively cycle 2,000 kilometers in 24 hours. The race starts at dawn in Tokyo, Japan, and will move through offices in Asia to Europe before the London team passes the virtual baton to the U.S., where the race will complete its home stretch at the firm's Los Angeles, Calif., office.

TLC was founded in 1996 by Angela Farrugia and Melvin Thomas and has grown significantly throughout the years. In 2015, the company delivered $8.5 billion in retail sales and represents brands such as Coca-Cola, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and Hershey’s.

The TLC20 campaign will conclude in October when the company will host a 20th anniversary party at a landmark London venue for it clients, partners and staff. Railway Children will be presented with a check at the event.

“It’s fitting and proper that we use the international reach and strength of TLC to bring this effort together,” says Angela Farrugia, founder and group managing director, TLC. “Melvin and I will be supporting all of our offices and leading some of the founder’s challenges–it couldn’t go to a better cause.”

TLC chose to work with Railway Children because of the work the charity does to protect children who live on the streets in India, Africa and the U.K. The $50,000 that TLC hopes to raise will help protect more than 5,000 children from a life on the streets.

“We’re delighted that TLC is celebrating this landmark year by supporting Railway Children in this way,” says Terina Keene, chief executive officer, Railway Children. “All around the world, children are living alone and in serious danger every day and so it is fitting that so many of TLC’s global offices have united behind our cause. It’s fantastic to hear their plans to raise funds for so many vulnerable children and we look forward to working with their team throughout the year.”