The Gandys Story
The Gandys Story
Turning tragedy into triumph
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of where it all began. Here’s the story of how we got here, and a taste of our bold plans for the future.
Turning tragedy into triumph
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of where it all began.
Here’s the story of how we got here, and a taste of our bold plans for the future.
2004
A Tough Beginning
In 2004, the world’s most deadly tsunami took the lives of 230,000 people in a matter of hours. Sri Lanka was one of the worst hit countries, with more than 30,000 people swept away and hundreds of thousands left homeless.
Rob and Paul were staying on the beach with their family enjoying a multi-year travelling adventure when the tsunami struck. The brothers became orphans that day, and faced the unthinkable challenges of tracking down their brother and sister in the devastation.
Then they had to rebuild their lives.
Rob and Paul built positivity from the tragedy they suffered and the horrors they saw. Inspired by the unbelievable strength, generosity and friendship of people they met, they started a business for like-minded travellers.
Gandys would be all about giving something back - every sale would contribute to educating underprivileged children and orphans across the world.
2012
It all began with
flip- flops
Gandys took its first steps with Rob and Paul’s favourite trusty travel footwear - the humble flip flop.
Drawing heavily on their strength, determination and pioneering spirit - and quite a lot of creative marketing and refusing to take no for an answer - Rob and Paul’s new venture started to gain traction.
People started to take notice of the brand with products that are good for customers but an ethos that does good across the world too.
2014 - Present
Now Gandys is a global concern
Gandys started helping children in Sri Lanka, but now we work with schools, charities and education professionals across the world.
Every time somebody buys Gandys, they are helping to feed, shelter and educate underprivileged children and orphans in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Nepal, Indonesia, Malawi, Mongolia and Brazil.
We call it The Gandys Movement, but really it’s a group of people doing their bit to make a very big difference to the lives of kids who really need it.
This is just the beginning...
Since that fateful day 20 years ago, Rob and Paul’s venture has touched so many people across the world.
Their spirit of travel and adventure is as strong as it ever was.
It’s no surprise that we have big plans to expand into more countries and help to fund schools and educational projects.
We want to say a big thank you to our amazing customers for making it possible to change the world one child at a time.
We want to say a big thank you to our amazing customers for making it possible to change the world one child at a time.
2004
A Tough Beginning
In 2004, the world’s most deadly tsunami took the lives of 230,000 people in a matter of hours. Sri Lanka was one of the worst hit countries, with more than 30,000 people swept away and hundreds of thousands left homeless.
Rob and Paul were staying on the beach with their family enjoying a multi-year travelling adventure when the tsunami struck. The brothers became orphans that day, and faced the unthinkable challenges of tracking down their brother and sister in the devastation.
Then they had to rebuild their lives.
Rob and Paul built positivity from the tragedy they suffered and the horrors they saw. Inspired by the unbelievable strength, generosity and friendship of people they met, they started a business for like-minded travellers.
Gandys would be all about giving something back - every sale would contribute to educating underprivileged children and orphans across the world.
Scroll to continue the story
2012
It all began with
flip-flops
Gandys took its first steps with Rob and Paul’s favourite trusty travel footwear - the humble flip flop.
Drawing heavily on their strength, determination and pioneering spirit - and quite a lot of creative marketing and refusing to take no for an answer - Rob and Paul’s new venture started to gain traction.
People started to take notice of the brand with products that are good for customers but an ethos that does good across the world too.
2014 - Present
Now Gandys is a global concern
Gandys started helping children in Sri Lanka, but now we work with schools, charities and education professionals across the world.
Every time somebody buys Gandys, they are helping to feed, shelter and educate underprivileged children and orphans in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Nepal, Indonesia, Malawi, Mongolia and Brazil.
We call it The Gandys Movement, but really it’s a group of people doing their bit to make a very big difference to the lives of kids who really need it.
The Gandys Story
This is just the beginning...
Since that fateful day 20 years ago, Rob and Paul’s venture has touched so many people across the world.
Their spirit of travel and adventure is as strong as it ever was.
It’s no surprise that we have big plans to expand into more countries and help to fund schools and educational projects.
We want to say a big thank you to our amazing customers for making it possible to change the world one child at a time.
The Gandys Story
Turning Tragedy into Triumph
In 2004, the world’s most deadly tsunami took the lives and homes of hundreds of thousands of people. When disaster struck we were teenagers, travelling with our family in Sri Lanka. We survived by trekking 200km across the decimated country, unaware that we were now orphans.
Our experiences and the people we met were the inspiration behind the Gandys.
This is our story.
‘Rob and Paul’s story was very moving and I was humbled by their ability to turn a personal tragedy into something so positive.’
Sir Richard Branson
The Gandys Story
Turning Tragedy into Triumph
In 2004, the world’s most deadly tsunami took the lives and homes of hundreds of thousands of people. When disaster struck we were teenagers, travelling with our family in Sri Lanka. We survived by trekking 200km across the decimated country, unaware that we were now orphans. Our experiences and the people we met were the inspiration behind the Gandys.
This is our story.
‘Rob and Paul’s story was very moving and I was humbled by their ability to turn a personal tragedy into something so positive.’
Sir Richard Branson
Every purchase you make helps us to change lives. Thank you.
Small actions make a BIG difference
Join the Movement
The Gandys Movement is a global community of people who want to make the world a better place.
It is all about working with our customers to change the lives of disadvantaged children and orphans worldwide.
Every time you buy Gandys you are making a real difference to a child’s life. Thank you.
Small actions make a BIG difference
Join the Movement
The Gandys Movement is a global community of people who want to make the world a better place.
It is all about working with our customers to change the lives of disadvantaged children and orphans worldwide.
Every time you buy Gandys you are making a real difference to a child’s life. Thank you.