In 2004, the Forkan Brothers tragically lost their parents when the Sri Lankan hotel they were staying in was destroyed in the Boxing Day Tsunami.
After being reunited with their younger brother and sister, the Brothers managed to hitch-hike over 200 miles through the devastation and make their way back to the UK.
Gandy Brothers – The enterprise
In 2012, they founded Gandys from a London bedroom to honour their parents’ memory and give back to the community which had helped them when they were most in need.
Having started with flip-flops, Gandys is now a successful travel and lifestyle brand committed to supporting orphans around the world.
Through Rob and Paul’s Orphans for Orphans foundation, 10% of profits are used to help fund the ongoing development of their Kids’ Campuses, where orphans across the world are supported through education, medication and nutrition.
Gandy Brothers and Social awareness
Rob and Paul are passionate about turning their personal tragedy into something positive by creating a brighter future for fellow orphans.
Their story has touched many people’s hearts; they have collaborated with the likes of Richard Branson, Liberty London, and McLaren F1, and the brand has even attracted some Royal attention with the Brothers being invited to Buckingham Palace for the launch of the Queens’ Young Leaders Programme.
To date, Gandys has built two children’s homes, one in Sri Lanka, one in Malawi two in Nepal and Brazil.
The Don’t Just Exist Campaign
The Don’t Just Exist Campaign is something Rob and Paul have started in order to urge people to lead their best lives, to adventure, explore, and give back. It is their way of trying to share the values their parents instilled in them with the world. They are working hard to spread the message through customers, bloggers and ambassadors.
Gandy Brothers Speaking Clients
Alexander McQueen, University of Cambridge, Oasis, Monsoon, University of Westminster, Innocent, O2, Facebook, Channel 4, Virgin, MTV, Accessorize DHL, and World Retail Congress.