Vans connection to Hawaii dates back to 1964 when the brand’s founder gifted a pair of custom-made, Hawaiian print Vans to Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing. So, when Vans approached The VF Foundation to join their support for the Maui community in the wake of the recent devastating wildfires, they agreed immediately.

Surfing transcends beyond being just a sport. The ‘Surfer’s Ethos’ is about looking out for one another and respecting the ocean and coastal communities - now more than ever it’s important to live those values. To kickstart collective action, The VF Foundation and Vans have committed to a combined donation of $25,000 USD to the Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF)’s Maui Strong Fund. Vans, with their deep ties to Hawaii and commitment to youth and community engagement, is taking a leadership role in this effort.

Gloria Schoch, Senior Director at VF Corporation & Executive Director of The VF Foundation, expressed her heartfelt concern, stating, "The recent wildfires in Maui have left a deep impact on the lives of those affected and the global surfing community that deeply respect and value the Maui community. It is in times like these that we recognize the significance of our VF family coming together with our shared purpose—to make a positive impact in the world."

In addition to Vans’ support, several other VF brands are also stepping up to provide essential items to those in need. The North Face is offering tents to help provide temporary shelter, Kipling is contributing backpacks for carrying belongings, and Dickies is donating clothing to ensure that families and children are equipped with the essentials they require during this challenging period.

As The VF Foundation and the VF family of brands come together to support Maui in its recovery, the company remains committed to its values of social responsibility and community engagement. Through this donation initiative, the company and its Foundation exemplify the impact that can be made when they unite for a common cause, offering not only financial support but also a strong message of solidarity and hope.

To amplify these efforts, The VF Foundation is inviting VF employees, their friends, and family members to join hands in making a difference. The Foundation will match donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to an additional $25,000 USD to aid victims of the fire and assisting them in rebuilding their lives through the Maui Strong Fund. To double the impact of your donation, type into the “Comments (optional)” box the following: VF Foundation Match.

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