WATSONVILLE, CA (May 21, 2015) – West Marine (Nasdaq:WMAR), one of the world’s largest waterlife outfitters, today announced the launch of the West Marine BlueFuture® Fund to benefit youth boating, marine conservation and healthy fish stocks.
The intent for the BlueFuture Fund is to provide ongoing support to causes central to West Marine’s mission. This Donor Advised Fund is set up through Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and all donations are tax deductible. Associates, vendors and customers are encouraged to recommend great non-profits who are deserving of grants.
To kick off the formation of the BlueFuture Fund, West Marine founder Randy Repass and CEO Matt Hyde are each making a lead donation. In addition, board members and the senior team are making contributions. On June 8, World Oceans Day, West Marine will donate 5% of sales (up to $70,000) to the BlueFuture Fund. Any interested parties can also contribute to the fund by going to www.cfscc.org/WestMarine.
“We’re excited about setting up a sustainable way to share our commitment to youth boating, marine conservation and sustainable fisheries,” says West Marine CEO Matt Hyde. “Part of West Marine’s mission is that we ‘work to conserve marine resources, reduce our impact on the environment and promote boating.’ The creation of the BlueFuture Fund aligns with that mission.”
Youth boating organizations will be the first recipients of Blue Future Fund grants. West Marine will be giving away a total of $30,000 to youth boating programs throughout the U.S. “We want our customers and associates to nominate their favorite youth boating organizations between June 8 and July 31,” says Hyde. Full details and eligibility requirements will be posted at West Marine Blue Future Fund by June 8. Winners will be posted on August 13.
The BlueFuture Fund is just part of West Marine’s ongoing support of sustainability and community boating. Other initiatives include:
- Reducing the company’s carbon footprint by 15% compared to a 2007 baseline
- Creating and launching Pure Oceans, a green line of boat maintenance products
- Hosting “Cruising for a Cause” charity nights to support local marine based non-profits
- Donating nearly $5.2 million to hundreds of non-profit organizations
About West Marine
Founded in 1968 by a sailor, West Marine, Inc. has grown to become the largest omni-channel specialty retailer exclusively offering boating gear, apparel and footwear, and other waterlife-related products to everyone who enjoys recreational time on or around the water. With over 270 stores located in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, and an eCommerce website reaching domestic and international customers, West Marine is recognized as the dominant waterlife outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. West Marine has everything you need for your life on the water. For more information on West Marine, Inc., its products and store locations, visit westmarine.com or call 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464). West Marine’s stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol WMAR.