West Marine raises $30,000 to support BlueFuture Fund

West Marine has announced that it raised $30,000 to support its nonprofit BlueFuture Fund during National Safe Boating Week.

During its safety-inspired fundraiser May 21-27, the company donated $5 from each life jacket purchase to the BlueFuture Fund, which supports community-based organizations dedicated to getting young people on and around the water in both recreational and educational capacities.

“We hit our $30,000 goal in a matter of days,” said Lindsey Johnson, West Marine’s director of communications. “We were thrilled to see the number of boaters and watersports enthusiasts who took this opportunity to purchase new life jackets. Not only did National Safe Boating Week prove to be an important step in the growth of our BlueFuture Fund, it definitely encouraged safe, responsible boating, which is so important to all of us.”

National Safe Boating Week is one of three annual in-store fundraisers that West Marine conducts each year to support the nonprofit BlueFuture Fund. The others are World Oceans Day in June and the Month of Giving in December. The fund also encourages year-round donations through its website, www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture.

“As BlueFuture continues to grow, West Marine will be able to support even more nonprofit organizations that are doing good work in their respective communities and making a real difference in children’s lives,” Johnson said. “We encourage any youth-based organization whose mission focuses on waterlife adventure, education and stewardship to apply for a BlueFuture grant, and to help the spread the word among friends and supporters.”