Standing with LA: How VAST. Is Supporting LA Fire Relief Efforts
Standing with LA: How VAST. Is Supporting LA Fire Relief Efforts
Home is where the heart is. For us, that means Los Angeles—a city where we surf the breaks at Topanga and Malibu, hike through the serene trails of the San Gabriel Mountains, and find inspiration for our brand's journey. The recent LA fires have devastated our home and community, and like so many Angelenos, we felt a deep call to action.
Donations from the Heart
When the fires broke out, displacing thousands and blanketing the region in smoke, our team mobilized. We began with inventory—clothing and masks that could serve an immediate need. In total, we donated 50,000 cloth face masks from our COVID-era stock, along with 10,000 items of apparel, including fleece clothing, socks, and other essentials. While some of these items had been sidelined for being unsellable, they were perfectly wearable and well-suited to the needs of those displaced by the fires.
Through partnerships with local charities, our donations found their way to survivors in shelters, evacuation centers, and under-served areas. Here are a few of the organizations we worked with:
Tzi Chi Buddhist Foundation: This globally respected non-profit operates with military precision, deploying expert volunteers for rescue and aid efforts. Their level of organization left us humbled and inspired.
Purist Group: A community of automotive enthusiasts, they turned their passion into purpose, delivering donations to shelters through a network of volunteer drivers. It was controlled chaos, but the energy and determination were palpable.
Bike Oven: This small local bicycle shop became a hub for community support, overflowing with donations of food, clothing, and supplies. Watching strangers come together to sort, distribute, and assist was a powerful reminder of the strength in collective effort.
A Connection Close to Home
Our efforts didn’t stop there. We revisited inventory, consulted with partners, and loaded a 15-foot U-Haul with new clothing, organized by size and type. One of our stops was Dream Center, where the overwhelming need underscored the scale of this tragedy. Unable to accept more clothes, we redirected our donations to It’s Bigger Than Us, a group closer to the Malibu evacuation zones. Their volunteers met us with open arms, making swift work of unloading and distributing the items.
This journey was more than just a donation drive—it was a profound experience of seeing how interconnected we all are. As we stood amidst the chaos, someone from Vast Impact, a non-profit, approached us. The connection between our brands and our shared name was a poignant reminder of the ripple effect our actions can have.
Together, We Rebuild
For a brand so deeply tied to the LA surf and outdoor community, this isn’t just charity—it’s personal. We’ve walked these trails, surfed these waters, and built a business rooted in the vibrancy of this city. Supporting LA’s recovery isn’t just a campaign; it’s our commitment to the people and places that have shaped us.
Our “We Stand With LA” Campaign
Through our “We Stand With LA” campaign, we’ve pledged 60% of our January proceeds toward LA fire relief efforts. Proceeds will be donated to the California Fire Foundation, in order to aid in the recovery and support of our local area, support the firefighters who have worked diligently to protect LA neighborhoods, and to fund preventative fire maintenance and education.
We invite you to join us in our efforts. Whether through purchasing products from our “We Stand With LA” campaign or directly supporting the organizations on the ground, every action helps. Together, we can help our city heal and rebuild stronger than ever.
