Mackie, there are so many charities out there. How do you guys differentiate yourself in this field? 

We are not the typical NGO. KLABU operates a two tier system: a charity and a brand of sportswear. The brand supports the charity. Instead of begging for donations, in return for support we wanted to offer something people actually want and need. And so we came up with the idea of sportswear. But simple sportswear is not enough to make it desirable.

It has to have swag. Combining sports with apparel makes our mission tangible. And apparel that’s premium, well-designed, and simply cool is the best vehicle for our message. We’re convinced that combining a nonprofit cause with sports and fashion is a fantastic way to create impact and raise awareness.

Charities don’t always get the best reputations, however you guys have really found a niche, how did this all start?

Whilst working in several refugee camps, we experienced that people in these camps couldn’t tap into and enjoy the several benefits of sports due to the lack of infrastructural support. The KLABU foundation was then started with the primary goal to unlock access to sports for both young refugees and host community members.

Through our initial clubhouse in the Kalobeyei refugee camp, a thriving community has been built where young people have been able to utilise sport to improve their physical and mental health, build a stronger connection to locals amongst several other positives. We are now preparing new projects in refugee camps in Africa, Asia and Europe.

We are naturally huge fans of African coffee, how does coffee tie into your business?

Well, serving coffee to guests is widely regarded as a symbol of hospitality and generosity which are two important values to build community, this is especially true for KLABU. Originally from Syria, our store manager Sam has often shared coffee with our neighbours and store guests as an extension of KLABU’s hospitality and community building.

Where can people find you guys and what is the impact you want to have?

You can find us online on Instagram or you can visit our first clubhouse in Kalobeyei, Kenya, or if you’re around in Amsterdam, you can visit us at our new space at Haarlemmerdijk 106 that will open in February. In our interactive space, you can buy our KLABU sportswear, play FIFA 21 in a KLABU kit (yes, we’re in FIFA!) engage with our team members and of course share a cup of coffee. You can also join the KLABU by buying our products at www.klabu.org to build our global club and unlock the power and joy of sports in refugee camps and beyond.