Reef is helping to shape the future of refugee children.
The global surf lifestyle brand has contributed $10,000 to fund education programs, build schools and buy materials for the Oinofyta and Ritsona refugee camps in Greece — where resources are limited for many young Syrian, Afghani and other Middle Eastern children.
“This is a global issue happening now that many of us aren’t aware of in the U.S.,” Reef’s public relations manager Chelsea Rauhut told Footwear News. “It is important for us to help shed light on a timely issue and inspire support to help these people.”
The funds will help buy school supplies, books and desks at the Oinofyta camp, as well as support a preschool the Ritsona camp.
“They are also building a garden in Oinofyta to teach the people how to plant and grow their own vegetable,” Rauhut added. “Any supplies will be funded with this as well.”
The brand also provided children with footwear and apparel. Since June, the camp has grown from 150 people to 700.
Reef and its ambassadors Mike Lay, Victoria Vergara, and Anna Ehrgott partnered with the humanitarian organization Armando Aid for the venture, which supports its ongoing We Heart charity initiatives. Previous programs have helped support communities in Nicaragua, Bali and Southern California.
Through its roster of ambassadors, the brand launches We Heart missions wherever they are “just passing through,” a nod to the company’s ethos.
The label will collaborate this winter with the MauliOla foundation in Hawaii to help children with Cystic Fibrosis learn to surf, and next spring, Reef will partner with the Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation and donate $10,000 to build a community center for children in Uvita.
Want More?
Reef Debuts New Bali Video With Female Ambassadors
Reef Unveils Second Collab Collection With Masafumi Watanabe
