There has been an outpouring of support from the action sports industry to help the relief efforts of Hurricane Sandy, which devastated a lot of surf shops and surf industry friends on the East Coast.
We spoke with a variety of people yesterday to find out what’s happening on the ground and what people are doing across the country to help.
A lot of brands have come together to help out in a major way including donating goods, creating tees to raise money for relief efforts, collecting and directly distributing clothing and goods to those in need, extending credit terms and putting receivables on hold for those shops that suffered the most damage.
Here are some ways companies are helping, and ways to get involved. We’ll continue to report more as the weeks go on.
BILLABONG
Photo courtesy of ErgoAmericans President Paul Naude shared with us how Billabong is involved with the recovery efforts:
“It is difficult to say the least to sit here in California and see and hear what Hurricane Sandy and the current Nor’easter storms have done to our friends and partners in New York, New Jersey and other areas along the Eastern seaboard.
Some of the staff here at Billabong has been paying particular attention to the situation in the East and we have responded in several areas, including:
– Sending Raven Lundy from Virginia Beach to New York and parts of New Jersey in the Billabong bus loaded with gasoline, clothing, food and supplies that were donated by citizens in Virginia Beach.
-We are currently in the process of sending approximately 3,000 units of pants, jackets, jeans, tees, hooded sweatshirts, etc. to six different accounts throughout New York and New Jersey for distribution to those in need.
-We are also in the process of developing SMU product for these accounts at an increased margin to help assist in making up for the selling time they have lost and will continue to lose.
Additionally, we have sent out a letter to the accounts that faced the brunt of the storm informing them of the following actions we are taking:
-We have put the receivables for these accounts on hold for now and will review them again sometime in January or later when necessary.
-When they can get around to it we are encouraging accounts to review their product orders with their rep and make whatever changes are necessary until they have a clearer picture of when they will be back up and running.
-Should accounts be in a position to do business for the holidays and need to replace destroyed or soiled product we are making At Once product available at a special discount for these accounts.
-We are working on replacement fixtures and point of purchase materials for those that have lost these materials in the storm.”
See Page 2 for the huge effort New Jersey-based Ergo is undertaking
ERGO and RESTORE THE SHORE Campaign
New Jersey-based ERGO Clothing has become very involved with the relief efforts. The company partnered with Restore The Shore Projects, a crowd funding disaster relief effort started by ERGO intern and graphics design student, Derek Koch and his friend, Travis LeBar. The two young men started a Facebook page with Koch’s design for the effort, and the messaging went viral overnight. 100% of the profits from clothes they are making are being donated to various charities and organizations to help with Sandy relief.
Photo courtesy of ErgoErgo Founder Pere DiSpirito said that in the first 48 hours the company raised over $200,000 for the cause. ERGO is also opening its warehouse to groups that want to help. For example, the nonprofit Waves for Water is using the warehouse as a logistics center.
Pete also wrote that dozens of other companies have been supporting them. Comcast network donated 30 second TV commercials, Uline donated packing supplies, Billabong dropped two trucks worth of relief, Alstyle stepped up with a huge deal on 8,000 tee blanks, Surfline, Brave New World and so many more have helped out, wrote Pete. They are also setting up a benefit show with Live Nation.
“It is absolutely devastating to see our backyard in this condition,” wrote Pete.
“The beaches we grew up on are demolished and entire towns are completely destroyed. Power is still out for thousands of homes and businesses and just when you think it’s back on, it goes off again. If that’s not bad enough, just yesterday a Nor ‘Easter came through with high winds and almost a foot of snow. A lot of these retailers that have been around for many years, have been completely devastated by the storm, and we are working with Waves For Water to help them get the doors back open.
If you are a retailer in need of assistance, please email info@ergoclothing.com and we will do everything we can to get you through this tough time.”
Pete said the best way to get involved is to help raise awareness and to donate the needed items from this list: https://bit.ly/UpjVIq. In addition, he said they are looking for product collaborations with other brands to keep the awareness and efforts going strong.
If you would like to partner on a product offering with Restore The Shore Projects, please send an email to: info@ergoclothing.com. Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/restoretheshoreprojects and will have daily updates on the relief efforts.
QUIKSILVER
Quiksilver EVP Tom Holbrook said he, Bob McKnight and Quiksilver managers were on the phone to reps and accounts right away when the storm hit.
“We all knew it was pretty bad and I ended up catching Tony G (owner of Ocean Hut in New Jersey) on his cell phone as the storm was hitting, and that conversation changed my perception. It made it really personal”
“Tony was looking out his window at two of his flooded cars, his house flooded with four feet of water. Now it is a week later and he has been talking to seven insurance companies but can’t get any info to them that they need because he is not allowed in his house or his shop. His shop was even looted – he’s been through so much, but he said they will absolutely rebuild.”
Tom said he has been trying to get as much real intelligence as possible from the ground from Quiksilver reps and accounts and that it’s much worse than what is on the news. Without gas and hotels to stay in anywhere near where the hard hit areas are, Tom said it has been tough to help out.
The Quiksilver Foundation has set up both clothing donations sites and a fund to help assist accounts and their families. So far they have over 5,000 units that includes jackets, pants and warm clothes. They have also been in touch with Jon Rose from Waves for Water too, and are shipping items to reps in the area to distribute directly.
“In my opinion it’s the worst thing to affect surf industry since its inception,” said Tom. “Everyone wants to help and we don’t have all the answers but they are going to need things and help for a while – so we are really trying to organize the best resources to do that.”
See Page 3 for details about how Waves for Water is helping on the ground
WAVES FOR WATER
Waves for Water is a non-profit founded by Surfer/Activist Jon Rose. The non-profit normally focus on providing clean water to those in need around the globe but are currently using their efforts to coordinate a full-fledged Hurricane Relief Initiative from first responder assistance to rubble removal and ultimately the rebuilding efforts in the surf-based coastal communities in Jersey and New York to start.
On their website the nonprofits states, “We look at W4W effort specifically as a vessel for the surf community to funnel their support through, specifically addressing the families and businesses of the surf communities that were wiped out. W4W will serve as a bridge connecting the global surf community directly to our brothers and sisters in need along the East Coast that have been the pillars of their community for generations.”
You can help out directly at: https://www.wavesforwater.org/
OSIRIS
Doug Weston, a founding partner and VP at Osiris, grew up in New Jersey in the early 1980s surfing the beaches of Long Beach and Pt. Lookout on Long Island and from Sandy Hook to LBI in New Jersey.
He said seeing the devastation has been overwhelming and gut wrenching. “I moved to the Atlantic City area for college in ’85 and started running the Heritage Surf shops in Margate. I had great mentors in Barb and Dan Heritage, Jim Hennessey and Tracey Heritage, my old roommate Brian Heritage (and his wife Jamie) and some of my good friends are still with Heritage – Kevin Morris, Randy Young, and a lot of the whole crew there.
Kevin texted me a shot of the Margate shop yesterday and it’s just gutted. Looks like they have to tear down to studs and start over. I can’t imagine the stress – and a Nor’easter on top of it. Just watching your family and friends get slammed while you’re so far away is a pretty helpless feeling. I didn’t hear from my one brother for over two days. It’s a lot…
I had my Sales Manager, David Levine, reach out to our accounts that were affected and let them know that we’re here to back them. If they need some help and quick inventory to get some holiday turns, we’ll get them product and worry about the invoice later. I’ll extend terms and try to make it as stress free as possible. They’re dealing with enough already. David also worked out some donations with Chris and Steve at the NJ Skateshop. They’re collecting donations for the local kids who got slammed by the hurricane. We sent shoes, tees and beanies. In addition, Doug has his design crew laying up a tee that we are going to offer online for Hurricane relief and donate all the proceeds.
If anyone’s coordinating an industry wide effort, please feel free to contact me so I can contribute in whatever way we can.”
NJ SKATESHOP
NJ Skateshop Owner, resident and ESPN contributor Chris Nieratko has been collecting goods from the skateboard community first hand since the hurricane hit.
Wednesday night of this week Chris told me over the phone that there are still areas where he has not seen any support from the Red Cross and FEMA.
Chris sent an email to the skateboard community and has been able to recruit dozens of pro skaters and brands like Nike, Converse, Lakai, Vans, Volcom, Deluxe, all the Sol Tech brands and more, to ship boxes of clothes and shoes directly to his shops. Chris and his team have distributed goods firsthand to those in need.
“Everyone has really been supporting and as soon as stuff has showed up it goes into cars and gets dispersed directly to the people,” he told me. “I just want people to know we are in this for the long haul so if you want to keep sending products we will keep giving it to those in need.”
Anyone still wanting to help can drop off or ship new unused warm items supplies to: NJ Skateshop, Two 29-b Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (this will go to the beach communities of New Jersey)
Or NJ Skateshop – 91 Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 (these will go to North Jersey communities).
Please label the box: HURRICANE RELIEF
See Page 4 for how Hurley and O’Neill are getting involved
HURLEY
SVP Marketing of Hurley Evan Slater wrote that Hurley immediately put their efforts and resources behind the Waves for Water relief effort as soon as the hurricane hit, helping Waves for Water Founder Jon Rose connect with some of the company’s closest partners in the New Jersey/New York area.
Evan said Hurley has also created a line of hurricane relief tees featuring images of perfect waves generated by Hurricane Sandy. Images donated by DJ Struntz, Zak Bush and Nicola Lugo. All proceeds from these tees will go straight to the relief effort via Waves for Water. They’ll be available on Hurley.com and at select surf shops next week.
Waves for Water has been working with the Ergo team of volunteers in addition many other efforts in the areaFinally, Evan wrote the company is staying in close contact with their closest accounts and helping as needed. “Ten palettes of goods from Hurley’s warehouse were headed east as I write this,” he said.
“Overall, it’s great to see Waves for Water become the rallying point for much of the industry’s relief effort. Jon (Rose) has so much experience with natural disasters, now that he knows exactly what to do. He connects with the right people, mobilizes the community and always finds a way to cut through the red tape. It was also great to see local surfers like Sam Hammer and Will Skudin and brands like Ergo and Jetty Surf make an immediate impact with their relief tees and on-the-ground execution.
“The surf community has an ability to shed positive light on dire situations, and I think the Hurricane Sandy relief effort is another example of that. More than anything, our hearts go out to everyone who is currently suffering from Sandy’s effects. In many ways, the East Coast is the backbone of our industry, so we’ll continue to do everything we can to heal, rebuild, and restore.”
O’NEILL
O’Neill SVP Sales and Marketing Steve Ward said in addition to basic business protocol to help accounts such as product replacement assistance for damaged product, remodel/rebuild assistance, extended dating and more, the La Jolla Group is beginning a larger relief strategy.
“Multiple efforts are underway to help the immediate needs of the devastated communities,” Steve said. “We are sending warm, dry clothing to local churches in affected areas. Financial assistance through proceeds from our company owned retail sales and ecommerce site will be donated to support the relief efforts. The La Jolla Group is hosting a Red Cross blood drive. The La Jolla Group is engaging in an extensive social media outreach program, encouraging donations and participation in the relief efforts.”
“While these are great first steps, it is really just the beginning. The recovery from Sandy will be a very long process and will require us to take a personalized approach. Many of our friends have lost their business and their homes, literally everything! Our goal is to help them rebuild both their businesses and put their lives back together. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.”
See Page 5 for steps being taken by Volcom, VF Corp., Skullcandy, Zumiez and Arbor
VOLCOM
Volcom sent this update on Friday morning:
“Volcom just finished a three-day Sandy Relief Drive…more than 95 boxes full of Volcom Corporate and Employee donations are headed off to two direct contacts on the ground for relief in New Jersey. Friends from DC Shoes and FOX stopped by with donations as well, making it somewhat of a neighborhood collective. Thanks to all those that that helped, donated, supported and shipped…the East Coast will be getting a little West Coast love in these very trying times. Best wishes to everyone affected and may these clothes, blankets, and other supplies offer just a little relief!
Today, the company plans on getting out items to friends in Rockaway Beach – another hard hit community.
For more on how Volcom is addressing the disaster, and offering support, please visit the company’s New Future Blog.
VANS and VF Corp.
Chris Overholser, Senior Communications Manager at Vans, said the company has engaged in a variety of efforts to help the relief, and that VFC has their own efforts to also help those affected as well as direct employees affected by the storm.
The VF Foundation will make a $100,000 contribution to the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. Locally, VFC’s Sportswear team – while not the only VF group affected – is leading the effort to assist associates who have lost homes and cars, for example. Since each impacted associate has unique needs, the company is raising cash that will be distributed to help them recover. In addition to the overall contribution, the VF Foundation will match all donations made by VF associates.
Donations so far include:
– A full pallet of footwear and apparel to be distributed in NYC for those in need
– Two large boxes of apparel to Pilgrim Surf for Rockaway Beach relief
– Five large boxes of sweaters, hoodies, shoes, and pants to New Jersey Skateshop
– A certificate for year of shoes auctioned at a Red Cross fund raiser tonight in New York
Vans is also organizing a warm clothing drive internally of coats, blankets, knit hats, gloves and/or heavy fleece.
The company’s House of Vans team will deliver these items to the New Jersey and New York shelters.
Thursday night, Vans also helped support a Brooklyn Red Cross Benefit at the Knitting Factory in New York, to help raise funds for the Red Cross.
ZUMIEZ AND TOMS
TOMS and Zumiez will donate $5 of every pair of TOMS shoes sold at Zumiez locations through today, Nov. 9.
ARBOR
Drew Hopkins, Sales and Marketing Manager at Arbor said that this Sunday, November 11th, Arbor Skateboards team rider, Adam Crigler and his friend Solomon Lang will be leading their weekly skating group, the Concrete Kings, through the snow covered streets of devastated areas in NYC handing out provisions including warm clothes donated by Arbor, food, batteries, etc.
They’re open to all who’d like to help – even if you don’t skate. Meeting time will be at 1pm at Columbus Circle, at the SW corner of Central Park in Manhattan. Watch for updates.
Instagram: AdamCrigler and ArborSkateboards.
https://www.arborcollective.com
https://www.facebook.com/arborcollective
SKULLCANDY
Skullcandy will be donating 100% of the online proceeds received through Skullcandy.com on November 10th to aid in the hurricane Sandy relief. All money raised will be donated to the surf shops in New York and New Jersey that sustained damage from the storm. The recipients of the funds will have full discretion to use the money where it is needed most — to get their store up and running again or to inject the funds into restoring their local community.
