November 19 was Vans Checkerboard Day, which is a global initiative designed to champion creativity in order to improve mental health and wellbeing. Built on the simple premise that creativity is good for your head, Vans are encouraging skateboarders to participate and donating USD 100,000 to 10 different charities from all over the world.

There were, and still are, all sorts of ways to get involved, from simply wearing the checkerboard pattern to going skateboarding to posting a clip of what you do to express your own creativity. More info about how to participate is on the Vans site.

A bunch of Vans pros, ams and everyday skateboarders shared their creative outlets for keeping on top of their mental health. Melbourne-based skateboarder Jimmy Roche spray painted a box and then proceeded to get a bunch of tricks on it. Stevie Stipanovic shared a video of his process of making clay sculptures. And Australian Vans Team Manager and videographer George Kousoulis shared a clip that proves he’s just as good on the board as he is behind the lens and in the editing suite.

Jimmy Roche, shove-it flip. Photo by Andrew Mapstone 

The 10 charities that Vans are supporting are The Ben Raemers Foundation, The Skatepark Project, Get Lit, The Wave Project, Arte Por La Vida AC, Social Skate, SAMH, Buku Jalangan Chow Kit, WABC and Calm.

George Kousoulis, switch nosegrind. Photo by Sam Coady

Check out the #vanscheckerboardday hashtag for more footage from the Vans pros and beyond.

Stevie Stipanovic, big bomber 50-50, as seen on our latest cover. Photo by Thomas Robinson