For years, Quiksilver has been actively engaged in charitable activities, both locally and globally. Quiksilver
recognizes the concept of corporate social responsibility and
benevolence. We want our philanthropic work to have impact beyond what
we do as one company and believe that we can do this by coordinating
the support of other organizations and individuals. The Quiksilver Foundation was formed to bring all of Quiksilver’s charitable giving under one umbrella. The Foundation commenced activities as a 501(c)(3) private foundation in October of 2004.
Our Mission
The Quiksilver Foundation
is a non-profit organization committed to benefiting and enhancing the
quality of life for communities of boardriders across the world by
supporting environmental, educational, health and youth-related
projects.
Our Vision
With offices in Europe, Australia and America, Quiksilver has the capability of touching people worldwide. Quiksilver has the vision of making a difference to community and environment through the Quiksilver Foundation.
The Quiksilver Foundation has a commitment to improving the quality of all our lives. We desire to benefit:
- Local Communities, including schools, churches and local charities through support and outreach programs;
- Major special projects and organizations sharing our focus on children, education, science, oceans and the environment.
History/Background
For nearly three decades, Quiksilver has been a
leader in providing charitable support that has enabled boardriders’
communities around the world to benefit education, the environment,
scientific research and a variety of related causes.
Today, the Quiksilver Foundation has been formed to continue the charitable endeavors of the company throughout the world. From its office at Quiksilver’s Headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, the Quiksilver Foundation is in coordination with the company’s global offices in Asia, Australia, Europe and across the world.
Through sharing a wide range of resources, the Quiksilver Foundation can enable community-based organizations with charitable support, research and science innovation. The Quiksilver Foundation
recognizes that our communities and their environments have provided
great benefits for boardriders across the globe; it is their desire to
preserve and continue this benevolence for this generation and those to
follow.
A letter from Quiksilver’s Bob McKnight:
The Quiksilver Foundation has a broad mission, or in other words, big dreams. Most foundations have only one aim or goal, however at Quiksilver we are a company that surfs, skates and boards, and you are going to find us in the ocean, on the mountain and in the streets. That is why our mission is broad. We are an international company that works and plays in every environment, and consequently we strive to be a responsible steward for our natural resources.
Our relationships with environmental organizations such as Surfrider and Reef Check are strongly rooted in our shared conviction that the world’s oceans and coral reefs are precious and need to be treasured and protected.
By supporting groups such as SurfAid International and The Sumba Foundation we are giving people in underprivileged countries a hand up, not a hand out. These organizations are creating sustainable futures for many islands in Indonesia by building schools, wells, roads and educating the people about malaria prevention, proper nutrition and sanitary practices.
We foster youth initiatives to build the future of our sports as well as our community, country and world. Our QuikSCience program, a collaboration with the University of Southern California and The Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, continues to grow and encourage science education in our schools and inspire future generations of scientists.
We are also proud of our assistance to health related charities such as Keep A Breast, through our Roxy brand, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, through the Movember initiative.
All of the work the Quiksilver Foundation does could not happen without the support of our many employees who have joined teams to walk or run to raise money and awareness for organizations such as the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and The Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure. Our employees continue to respond generously and enthusiastically to every contribution request, from clothing and supplies for Hurricane Katrina victims, to personal items for troops stationed overseas, to donating holiday gifts for homeless children.
As our philanthropic arm, the Quiksilver Foundation encourages all Quiksilver entities to recognize and embrace their ability to make a positive impact. Quiksilver Asia Pacific and Quiksilver Europe are actively involved in many charitable efforts in their respective regions.
With offices and customers around the world, Quiksilver has the ability to spread a message of goodwill. The Quiksilver Foundation embodies our company’s spirit, and we look forward to doing our part in improving community and environment in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Robert McKnight
Chairman/CEO/President
Quiksilver Inc.
