LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (September 3, 2015) — The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, in conjunction with its StokesMe campaign, is excited to announce the launch of their new volunteer opportunity database, the StokesMe Volunteer Corps.
Starting earlier this week, StokesMe kicked off with the goal of raising $100,000 for 15 surf-related beneficiary organizations. An industry Bowl-A-Rama event is scheduled for September 15, and in its third year, the StokesMe Add-A-Buck program is returning with 12 participating surf retailers representing 57 doors. Seven companies including Electric, Hurley, Liquid Tribe, Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Stance and Vans have signed on as $5,000 Circle of Stoke sponsors. In addition to the paid sponsorship, sponsors have also committed to 100 hours of volunteer time for a total of 700 hours.
The StokesMe Volunteer Corps is an interactive database where brands and employees can search volunteer opportunities with StokesMe beneficiary organizations. With more than 60 events and needs currently listed from surf instructors to graphic designers to event staff, there are plenty of opportunities for anyone looking to contribute time. View and search the StokesMe Volunteer Corps at www.stokesme.org/events.
“While funding is extremely important to our 15 surf-related non-profits that StokesMe supports, we learned how much they also depend on volunteers,” notes SIMA Humanitarian Fund President and StokesMe Chairman, Ross Garrett. “Whether it be time or talent, our beneficiary organizations all need dependable and talented volunteers to assist with their programs and everyday operations.“
After volunteering, brands and employees are encouraged to report their volunteer hours using the Volunteer Corps Reporting form at www.stokesme.org/volunteer-corps-reporting. Contributions will be highlighted throughout the year within the Circle of Stoke Community.
To learn more about StokesMe, the Volunteer Corps and the 15 beneficiary organizations, visit www.stokesme.org.
About StokesMe
StokesMe September is the official fundraising effort for the SIMA Humanitarian Fund. This year, StokesMe supports 15 surf-related humanitarian organizations dedicated to improving the life, health, and/or welfare of people. The 2015 SIMA Humanitarian Fund beneficiaries are: AccesSurf, Best Day Foundation, Boys to Men, Boarding for Breast Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Life Rolls On, Mauli OlaFoundation, Outdoor Outreach, STOKED, SurfAid, Surfers Healing, Valpo Surf Project and Waves for Water.
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 25 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $7 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 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. Since 2004 the SIMA Humanitarian Fund has raised and donated more than $1.7 million to surf-related non-profit organizations. For more information regarding SIMA, please visit www.sima.com.
