The SIMA Humanitarian Fund

                               
(Photo Credit: Michael Lawrence, SurfAid)                                        

The story of the SIMA Humanitarian Fund begins with the beat of a mosquito wing.

In 2002, Steve Barilotti penned an article for Surfer Magazine entitled “The Jungle is Looking Back,” wherein Dr. Dave Jenkins recounts his experience traveling to the Mentawai Islands, as many surfers do, and what he encountered when he went ashore, as many surfers don’t.

Zzzzzzzzzz. Smack.

Moved by the story and the affliction of Malaria on the Mentawai villagers, Reef Sandals co-founder, Santiago Aguerre worked to establish a fundraiser for SurfAid, Jenkins’ nascent NGO. That initial fundraiser, through the hard work of Santiago’s brother Fernando as well as the SIMA member community and staff, has transformed into the SIMA Humanitarian Fund.

Officially established in 2006, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, raises money to support 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.

To date, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund has raised over $1.58 million for Humanitarian causes.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit foundation, the SIMA Humanitarian Fund operates through a grant-making program. Tax-exempt humanitarian groups and organizations wishing to receive funding from the Humanitarian Fund must submit and have approved by the SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors a grant request form that details the group's plans for the requested funds.

Check out our latest fundraising campaign – The Stokes Me Challenge: Surfers Helping Humans.  Join the challenge October 1 - 30, 2012. One donation, 10 x the impact. Now that stokes us.

2012 SIMA Humanitarian Fund Beneficiaries

Best Day Foundation
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Jimmy Miller Foundation
Keep A Breast
Life Rolls On
Outdoor Outreach
Stoked Mentoring
SurfAid International
Surfers Healing
Waves for Water
 

SIMA Humanitarian Fund Board of Directors

Ross Garrett / Surfline - President
Candy Harris / Billabong USA  - Vice President
Jeff Wilson / Quiksilver - Treasurer
Jim Caccavo / Steelpoint Capital Partners - Director
Fernando Aguerre / Liquid Tribe - Director