Surf Girl program raises more than $500,000

Surf Life Saving Queensland would have gathered tonight for the annual Surf Girl Ball, with the 2020 Surf Girl Ambassador named.

Despite the postponement of this event for the foreseeable future, there is still plenty to celebrate with the eight Surf Girl ambassadors raising a total of $529.756.19 for surf lifesaving clubs across Queensland.

All of this money will go towards surf safety education, member development, maintenance and purchase of new rescue equipment, increasing volunteer memberships and expanding training programs. Since the program’s inception in 1964 more than $17 million has been raised for surf lifesaving clubs across Queensland.

Courtney Taylor, from Currumbin SLSC, said she was proud of what the ambassadors had achieved in a disruptive year.

“Even though we can’t get together tonight to celebrate, it doesn’t take away from the difference we have made for ourselves, our clubs and community,” she said.

“I am so proud and overwhelmed to have been a part of the last season of Surf Girl and it’s been wonderful getting to know some of the other girls and everything we have achieved together.”

SLSQ CEO Dave Whimpey congratulated the Surf Girl ambassadors on their incredible achievement.

“Considering everything happening in the world right now, the funds could not have come at a better time for our clubs,” Whimpey said.

“We look forward to celebrating the 2020 Surf Girl Ambassador program at a later stage but it would be remiss not to acknowledge their incredible contribution to Surf Life Saving Queensland’s mission over the past 12 months.”

The 2020 Surf Girl ambassadors:

• Zara Chauvin-Hartmann – Cairns SLSC

• Toni Morgan – Ayr SLSC

• Keesha Close – Mackay SLSC

• Georgia Martin – Bundaberg SLSC

• Sonita Leng-Cole – Alexandra Headland SLSC

• Ann-Sophie Sullivan – Point Lookout SLSC

• Ela Heiniger – Burleigh Heads SLSC

• Courtney Taylor – Currumbin SLSC

The Surf Girl program sees ambassadors raise vital funds and build community awareness for the lifesaving movement.

 

Article by Josie Fielding