Reef Hearts Guatemala on Facebook
Reef fans have a unique opportunity to collaborate with the brand and help the global community. The Carlsbad, Calif. based surf brand has launched its “We Heart Guatemala” design initiative on Facebook.
Reef will be asking fans to participate in the design and marketing process of a pair of sandals which feature beautiful Guatemalan hand-braided threads. The project will benefit the Guatemalan crafts women who create the traditional braided straps. Fans can participate by choosing color combinations and even the name of the sandals. And one lucky fan will have the opportunity to travel to Guatemala to share their experience on Facebook.
“We want to pass on the notion that there are alternative ways to impact a community other than monetary donations. By engaging the global Facebook community to participate in this project, we hope to get that message out, while greatly benefiting this Guatemalan community,” said Kevin Flanagan, Reef’s VP of Marketing in a prepared statement.
The project is part of Reef’s “We Heart Collection” which was launched earlier this year. The collection was created to help artisans in developing countries by purchasing their hand crafts directly. The artisans in turn have a source of income to help grow their business and build their communities. For the launch, Reef partnered with 31 Bits, an organization that aids displaced women in Gulu, Uganda by helping them sell hand-made paper beads. The creation of the “Ugandal Sandal” has resulted in the sale of over a half million beads.
For the “We Heart Guatemala” sandal, Reef has partnered with Nest, an organization that offers small business assistance to women artisans in developing countries. Reef plans to continue the program by incorporating a “We Heart” sandal into the collection each season.
For more information on the “We Heart Guatemala” design initiative, check the Reef Facebook page at www.facebook.com/reefgirls
