Community Involvement Touching Youth Culture
Sole Technology is committed to the betterment of the action sports community, humankind and our world's environment. We sponsor many major action sports competitions worldwide. Each year we contribute time, money, shoes and apparel to select charities and support disaster relief efforts. Today, we strive to be at the forefront of our industry in environmental efforts. We believe in a better world just as we believe in a better shoe. It's our philosophy.
In a continued effort to give back to youth culture and the action sports community, Pierre-André Senizergues was instrumental in the vision and concept with the etnies team to develop and construct a world-class skatepark near the company's headquarters in Lake Forest, California. We continue to support the park by sponsoring high-profile events for today's youth culture
Sole Technology actively supports the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC), European Skateboard Association (ESA), Action Sports Environmental Coalition (ASEC) and Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA). Sole is committed to the positive growth of the action sports industry and to the education of the health and cultural benefits of these sports.
In keeping with his efforts to give back to the community, Pierre-André and Sole Technology participate in many charitable functions. The company donates shoes to at-risk children and the homeless on an annual basis. Donations are also made to for disaster recovery, such as shoes and clothing for the victims of Hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua and Katrina in the United States. Sole Technology continues to seek and support charitable causes to help make our world a better place.
A few ongoing charitable relationships include the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest, the environmental action organization Global Green, an annual donation of 2,000 pairs of shoes to the homeless at the Los Angeles Mission and the etnies Holiday Festival where 500 at-risk kids in Orange County are treated to a day of skating demos by pros, Santa on a skateboard and a Christmas gift of brand new etnies shoes.
Check out some of these charitable highlights!
etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest
etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest is the largest in California and one of the three largest in the world. The park is truly unique in that it was constructed as a landmark public / private partnership between Sole Technology and the city of Lake Forest. The skatepark features 40,000 square feet of skateable surface, including a street area, a flow course and two pools, with expansion plans in the near future. Thanks to a large financial investment on Pierre-André’s behalf, and ongoing involvement and support, the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest remains free to the community.
With over 100,000 visitors annually, etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest has become a community center of sorts with numerous films, concerts and other activities taking place on the park's grounds. For more information visit: etniesskatepark.com
Global Green – The Rebuilding of New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina
Pierre-Andre has actively been involved in the efforts of Global Green for the past 6 years to help raise awareness about issues surrounding the environment. One of his most notable projects included participating in the rebuilding of New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Pierre was one of the top donors, along with Brad Pitt and Home Depot to make this happen through a design contest and rebuilding effort to demonstrate the power of rebuilding green – in an affordable and sustainable way. Pierre’s design background was put to action when he was invited to be a member of the design jury and helped select the winning project. To learn more information about this incredible demonstration of a community and their resilience visit: globalgreen.org
Annual Los Angeles Mission Event for the Homeless
For the past 12 years, Pierre-Andre has been giving to the homeless in Los Angeles – over 30,000 new pairs of shoes. Check out the video to experience Sole Technology giving back on Skid Row!
etnies Holiday Festival for Kids
One of the great things about working at Sole Technology is the opportunity to be involved together in giving back to the community. Since 2004, etnies has been hosting this holiday event for a few thousand kids who need a little holiday cheer in their lives…as well as a brand new pair of shoes! The etnies skate, BMX and MotoX teams come out in force to bring these kids a holiday to remember!