Our Story

In 2009, Joyce and Jeff Robinson, along with David Moss, had a vision to help counter social and economic disparities in South LA by building bridges between student groups through unconventional means – they wanted to send kids to a three-day outdoor camp. This was the beginning of the Harold Robinson Foundation (HRF), where the goal was to bring as many South LA youth to camp as possible.

From early on, the founders realized that the three-day retreats where much more than just kids going on an incredible adventure. Parents and teachers were getting tremendous value out of their experience as well. Participants were building new relationships and friendships, perspectives were changing, and disparate groups were coming together in a healthy way…often for the first time ever. It quickly became clear that the HRF camp experience was a powerful tool for building community and unity, for youth and adults alike.

Key Events

  • June 1, 2008

    HAROLD ROBINSON FOUNDATION FOUNDED

    The foundation was established in honor of Harold Robinson.
  • August 16, 2009

    FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED

    HRF becomes an official 501(c)3
  • September 11, 2010

    100 MILES FOR A CHILD

    First Funraising Event: "100 Miles for a Child" A Bike Ride from Watts to Oxnard and ending in Malibu raised $100,000.
  • June 16, 2011

    PEDAL ON THE PIER

    We launch Pedal on the Pier a unique fundraising event the first of it’s kind in Southern CA. We raised $254,000
  • August 16, 2012

    HRF INVOLVES PARENTS

    HRF launches their Parenting Workshops, Parent From The Heart. Pedal on the Pier raises $512,228.
  • August 16, 2017

    WATTS UNITED

    HRF hosts the first ever Watts United retreat, bringing together the 4 warring housing developments in Watts. Pedal on the Pier raises $636,413
  • August 16, 2017

    MARKHAM PROJECT

    Camp Ubuntu Watts formally known as the Markham Project, a 6 week summer day camp in the heart of Watts is launched. Pedal on the PIER raises $595,029.
  • August 16, 2017

    CAMP UBUNTU

    The Harold Robinson Foundation adopts the philosophy of Ubuntu, and renames their camp retreats, Camp Ubuntu. Pedal on the Pier raises $861,809.
  • August 16, 2017

    SCHOOLS & COMMUNITY

    Ubuntu is embraced by our schools and community. Harold Robinson Foundation/Camp Ubuntu has begun to evolve into more of a movement for change than a simple non-profit. Pedal on the Pier raises $868,967.
  • February 19, 2018

    PACE JOINS THE MOVEMENT

    Pedal on the Pier raised $1,063,217 and HRF was adopted by the Philanthropy and Engagement Community Engagement organization (P.A.C.E.).
  • June 1, 2008

    HAROLD ROBINSON FOUNDATION FOUNDED

    The foundation was established in honor of Harold Robinson.
  • August 16, 2009

    FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED

    HRF becomes an official 501(c)3
  • September 11, 2010

    100 MILES FOR A CHILD

    First Funraising Event: "100 Miles for a Child" A Bike Ride from Watts to Oxnard and ending in Malibu raised $100,000.
  • June 16, 2011

    PEDAL ON THE PIER

    We launch Pedal on the Pier a unique fundraising event the first of it’s kind in Southern CA. We raised $254,000
  • August 16, 2012

    HRF INVOLVES PARENTS

    HRF launches their Parenting Workshops, Parent From The Heart. Pedal on the Pier raises $512,228.
  • August 16, 2017

    WATTS UNITED

    HRF hosts the first ever Watts United retreat, bringing together the 4 warring housing developments in Watts. Pedal on the Pier raises $636,413
  • August 16, 2017

    MARKHAM PROJECT

    Camp Ubuntu Watts formally known as the Markham Project, a 6 week summer day camp in the heart of Watts is launched. Pedal on the PIER raises $595,029.
  • August 16, 2017

    CAMP UBUNTU

    The Harold Robinson Foundation adopts the philosophy of Ubuntu, and renames their camp retreats, Camp Ubuntu. Pedal on the Pier raises $861,809.
  • August 16, 2017

    SCHOOLS & COMMUNITY

    Ubuntu is embraced by our schools and community. Harold Robinson Foundation/Camp Ubuntu has begun to evolve into more of a movement for change than a simple non-profit. Pedal on the Pier raises $868,967.
  • February 19, 2018

    PACE JOINS THE MOVEMENT

    Pedal on the Pier raised $1,063,217 and HRF was adopted by the Philanthropy and Engagement Community Engagement organization (P.A.C.E.).
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