• 

  Surfers respond to disaster in

Press release:

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (November 13, 2013) – The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, joined by key donors, has pledged $7,500 in funds immediately available for disaster relief in the Philippines. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors is also encouraging the surf industry and the industry’s donor network to join in and support this emergency relief.

The $7,500 was quickly pooled via the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, and industry leaders/donors Fernando Aguerre, Paul Naude, Bob McKnight and the James Caccavo Family. The money is being pledged as a direct donation to Waves For Water, a long-time beneficiary of the SIMA Humanitarian Fund and an outstanding responder in disaster situations.

Waves For Water is headed up by surfer Jon Rose and has proven to be effective in its role in Indonesia, Haiti, New Jersey and other disaster stricken regions, focusing on quick access to clean water and rebuilding infrastructure and systems. Additional donations to benefit Typhoon Haiyan relief can be donated directly at www.wavesforwater.org or through the SIMA Humanitarian Fund’s Stokes Me website, www.stokesme.org.

“Super Typhoon Haiyan was one of the strongest storms on record, making landfall in the heart of the Philippine surf zone,” said Ross Garrett, President of the SIMA Humanitarian Fund. “Allocating a portion of the funds from our recent Stokes Me campaign is an obvious way to help, and we hope that Fernando, Paul, Bob and Jim’s generosity will inspire action among the industry and community.”

The Philippines has been an important part of the surfing landscape for more than three decades, hosting surfers, high-profile events, and as home to some of the industry’s key manufacturing and distribution partners.

For more information on how to get involved or to donate visit www.stokesme.org.

About SIMA

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMA is a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relations efforts and a variety of services, educational programs and research. In addition, SIMA actively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund. In the past 23 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $6.2 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world’s oceans, beaches and waves. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established in 2006 to award grants to various surf or boardsport related social and humanitarian non-profit organizations whose efforts are focused on improving the quality of life, health and/or welfare of people.