Q & A: SurfAid x CORD & ROY

At CORD & ROY, protecting what we love has always been at the core of what we do. That’s why we’re proud to announce our official partnership as of June 1st with SurfAid, a not-for-profit making a powerful impact in some of the world’s most remote surf regions.

From building clean water systems to supporting maternal health and nutrition, SurfAid is creating long-term change in places like Sumba, Rote, and the Mentawai Islands. We’re now donating $1 from every online hat purchase to support their incredible work.

To share more about what they do, and how small brands and passionate individuals can help, we recently sat down with the SurfAid team for a quick Q&A. 

Q. For those who don’t know SurfAid, how would you describe your mission in one sentence?
SurfAid has a simple mission to improve the health, well-being, and resilience of people living in remote surf communities by providing access to clean water, sanitation, basic healthcare, and nutrition. 

Q. What kind of impact has SurfAid had in remote surf communities over the past few years?
We’re actually celebrating our 25th anniversary this year which has been a great opportunity to look back at our impact. In the last decade alone, we’ve reached over 150,000 people through our programs in remote surf communities throughout Indonesia.

These include mother and child health programs and providing families with access to clean water and sanitation, in places like the Mentawai Islands, Sumba, and Rote.

In 2021 we launched our now iconic Make A Wave challenge that encourages surfers across the globe to fundraise and surf every day during the month of September — which of course you guys participated in last year! This challenge has raised over $2.6 million dollars so far to support our work in the field, which has been incredible.

Q. What does $1 from a CORD & ROY purchase help fund? Can you share a real-world example?
$1 from the sale of a CORD & ROY product can make a difference in our programs. Small donations go a long way in the areas we work and for people like Maria, who lives in an isolated village on the island of Sumba (home to some of the best waves in Indonesia). Maria’s village lacked access to clean water and she had to walk several kilometres twice a day to fetch water for her family. SurfAid worked in partnership with locals to build a clean water facility right in front of Maria’s home, so she now spends that time with her family.

 Q. What role do small, purpose-driven brands like CORD & ROY play in creating meaningful impact?
We love working with small, purpose-driven brands and we’ve loved getting to know the CORD & ROY team. Being a small team you’re able to build really authentic relationships, support our grassroots initiatives, and raise awareness in ways that feel personal and credible. And of course, you even participated in Make A Wave last year!

We’re so thankful to have the financial support of CORD & ROY through online purchases, but we’re just as grateful to be able to work with you guys on a personal level and for your help spreading awareness of our work. 

Q. How can individuals get more involved beyond making a donation. What does real support look like?
SurfAid’s philosophy is that of a 'hand up, not a handout' and we work in partnership with our remote communities to affect long term change. This is what real support looks like to us.

 Beyond making a donation, we would love to have even more people making a wave with us every day this September! Not only is it a great way to fundraise and support SurfAid, but you get to do something you love and feel great about it. You can already pre-register to take part.

Q. Why is the surf community such a powerful force for change, in your eyes?
The SurfAid origin story is a great example of surfers making an impact with their grassroots spirit. While on a surfing trip to the Mentawai Islands in 1999, our founder Dr. Dave Jenkins encountered communities suffering from preventable diseases and high child mortality rates, right next to some of the world’s best waves. Dr Dave was motivated to do something and began by providing basic healthcare to these communities, rallying other surfers around him at the time.

We continue to depend on the surf community today, through challenges like Make A Wave. Surfing is a truly global pursuit and surfers are deeply passionate and driven to protect the people and places that matter to them. We couldn’t do our work without the support of surfers!

Thanks so much for reading this blog and we look forward to seeing you shredding in the water soon!

Big Love
Soph & Dani