The pioneers of the plastic skateboard Penny Skateboards has announced today the launch of its Penny for a Purpose campaign in collaboration with California artist BB Bastidas and non-profit organization Ethiopia Skate featuring two limited edition completes.
The exclusive designs created by Bastidas are available in 22” Penny and 27” Nickel boards with proceeds going to support Ethiopia Skate’s mission of providing skateboards, skate parks and recreational activities around skateboarding to young people in communities of Ethiopia.
“The board designs are actually snapshots of the art I painted on the first skate park built by Ethiopia Skate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I purposefully made my designs very geometric so the kids from the community could mimic the art and express their own creative skills,” said Bastidas, “Collaborating with Penny Skateboards has enabled us to share our passion for skating and supporting skaters around the world on a global scale.”
Established in 2013, Ethiopia Skate is a passion project founded by skateboarders for skateboarders. The organization has a team of ambassadors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as well as in the United States leading donation efforts, teaching the local community how to skateboard and promoting the arts and culture of the skating world to build confidence, encourage individual creativity and to build a supportive community.
“Penny for a Purpose is all about connecting artists and skaters to better the community and support young people. As a company our goal is to spread the lifestyle and joy that comes with skateboarding. Coupled with Ethiopia Skate’s passion for helping grow the skating community on a grassroots level, this partnership truly achieves that goal,” said Penny Skateboards Founder, Ben Mackay.
Online now at www.pennyskateboards.com, Penny’s limited edition Penny for a Purpose BB Bastidas x Ethiopia Skate boards are available in the U.S. The 22” retails for $119.99 and the “27 retails for $139.99. With limited stock available, the Penny for a Purpose boards are available online and select retailers until sold out.
You can view Penny Skateboards’ limited edition collection with Ethiopia Skate and BB Bastidas here.
About Penny Skateboards
With dedicated customers in over 64 countries, Penny Skateboards reignited the love for plastic skateboards made popular in the seventies when it launched in 2010. Founded in Australia by Ben Mackay, the company aims to encourage more people to enjoy the fun of skateboarding by creating high-quality, colourful skateboards across a range of unique collections –Classics, Fresh Prints, Painted Fades, Pastels, Signature and Limited Editions.
About Ethiopia Skate
Ethiopia Skate was formed in 2013 at the Sarbet parking lot in Addis Ababa. We work to empower youth in Ethiopia by providing access to skateboard materials and by creating skate spots. Our community consists of over 150 skateboarders in Ethiopia’s capital and other small towns across the country, with many more eager to join. To learn more, donate, or join the cause visit www.ethiopiaskate.org.
