The Float Collective, the main fundraising program for the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, is returning this year with a few tweaks.
About 60 key surf industry retailers and four brands – Nixon, Quiksilver, Reef and Rip Curl – have come together for the initiative, which supports humanitarian organizations.
The blue Float Collective bracelet is the key item again, and other products will debut during the year.
SIMA Humanitarian Fund President Dylan Slater answered questions for us about what is different this year and how the program works.
To date, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund has donated more than $1.7 million to humanitarian groups.
Why is SIMA bringing back the Float Collective this year?
Rip Curl USA President Dylan Slater: The Float Collective continues to fuel and empower some great organizations that are doing important work to help those in need.
At a time when our industry is increasingly feeling siloed, the Float Collective has brought retailers, brands, and media together to create tangible impact.
These non-profits are utilizing surfing in some capacity to help others, and we want to support that. The Humanitarian Fund was founded by Fernando and Santiago Aguerre, and has raised nearly $2 million since its inception. It’s their vision, no matter how big or small the contribution, that it’s the industry’s duty to support these organizations.
What is different this year?
Dylan Slater: We’re taking a much more focused approach on the success of the signature Float Collective bracelet. We’ve been focused as a team on recruiting new retailers and retaining existing ones with the goal of creating a much more clear program around the bracelet. We still have great brands participating in signature products, but the focus on the bracelet program has been elevated.
Are any new brands participating or are there any new categories?
Dylan Slater: We have a solid stable of brands participating this year including Nixon, Reef, Rip Curl, and Quiksilver, which will be offering a breadth of products from backpacks, watches, boardshorts, swimwear, T-shirts, and footwear.
Are there any changes in the retailer line up?
Dylan Slater: We’ve had amazing support from some of the best specialty retailers nationwide, including Jack’s, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Farias Surf & Sport, amongst many others that can be found here:  https://sima.com/float-collective-bracelet-stockists/. The Float Collective bracelet should be sold in nearly 100 doorways this year, and I’d like to thank everyone who has embraced the program. We could not have done this without their backing.
What are some of the challenges involved in coordinating a project like this?
Dylan Slater: Clarity in messaging for the SIMA Humanitarian Fund has always been a challenge. At the end of the day, we are not just focused on one specific humanitarian cause. We are helping fund organizations that serve a breadth of issues including autism, cystic fibrosis, the physically disabled, veterans suffering from PTSD, at-risk youth, and several more issues. It can be challenging to package that messaging clearly for the consumer to understand.
What are the advantages of a program like the Float Collective vs. raising money via an event or auction?
Dylan Slater: I think the Float Collective taps into what we do as an industry best – make great products. The bracelet has performed well at the retail level, as have many of the signature products. It gives a year-round nature to the program, which I think is preferable to an auction or single event.
