SOS week underway to support local Surf Lifesaving Clubs
CHARITY FUNDRAISING
They help keep you safe at the beach every weekend for eight months of the year, now Queensland’s volunteer surf lifesavers are asking for your help.
Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is this week hoping to raise vital funds for essential lifesaving equipment, training, and resources as part of its annual fundraising appeal.
During SOS Week (October 14-20), community members are asked to ‘Support our Savers’ by donating online, or dropping a few coins in the collection tins of volunteers who will be out in force across the state.
Volunteers from the Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club were at the markets on Sunday 5th October with their tins and have tins on the counter at the Pharmacies in town and The Surfy restaurant.
Rob Davidson, Regional Manager of North Queensland at Surf Life Saving said SOS week is the perfect opportunity to give back to the clubs that keep us safe.
“Each club can do what they want and each one will fundraise in different ways,” he said.
“It’s a great way for the community can get behind the club and assist them to continue to provide service with gear in great condition.”
SLSQ Lifesaving Services Manager, Peta Lawlor, said fundraising was critical to ensure the continuation of lifesaving services along Queensland’s coastline.
“As a charity organisation, SLSQ relies heavily on the generosity of the community to deliver our volunteer patrols, along with a range of educational and community awareness programs,” she said.
“Last year alone across North Queensland, our red and yellow army performed over 3,000 preventative actions to proactively safeguard swimmers, administered first aid over 200 times, and saved nine lives via in-water rescues.
Ms Lawlor said SOS Week 2019 marked the 16th year of the annual fundraising appeal and one of SLSQ’s largest fundraising initiatives.
“To effectively set up a beach patrol, a surf life saving club requires more than $60,000 worth of equipment, including, but not limited to, inflatable rescue boats, surf rescue boards, rescue tubes, defibrillators, first aid kits and flags,” she said.
“In addition to the costs associated with establishing a beach patrol, it costs up to $10,000 a year to maintain an active patrol, and $850 to train a lifesaver to Bronze Medallion standard.
“Every dollar counts – we appreciate whatever support you can provide, so please help us, help you.”
Ms Lawlor said SOS Week also provided an opportunity for the community to recognise the invaluable lifesaving work which volunteers perform.
“Make sure you say hi if you see our volunteers out and about rattling the collection tins.
“Our red and yellow army are always happy to have a chat and provide vital surf safety advice.”
Volunteers will be doorknocking and collecting at various locations during SOS Week. Donations can also be made online at www.sosweek.com.au.
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