Project raises surf funds for disadvantaged

Humanitarian Updates

North Devon 'Gold ball' raises money for two surfing charities

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 11 January, 2013 : - - The team behind the Gold Ball held at Pickwell Manor, Georgeham on 8 December 2012 raised £6,500 for two charity projects aimed at helping to bring hope to disadvantaged children through sports such as surfing. Over 150 guests enjoyed a night to remember with a fabulous live auction, surf simulator, fun casino and three-course canape supper.

The live auction alone raised just under £3,300 with the highest bids winning a ski weekend from Alpine Elements, family break at the Bivouac in North Yorkshire, Wimbledon tickets, dining experience from The Rock Inn Georgeham, luxury breakfasts at local B&B Home House and Putsborough Beach Cafe, and paintings from local artists Sarah Cox and Bobby Magee. The 150-balloon raffle raised £1,500 and the surf simulator made surfers of everyone - even if the ride was short!

The monies raised will support two charities, Surf Relief UK here in North Devon, as well as the Umthombo Street Children project in Durban, South Africa, part of the AMOS Trust. The aim of both of these projects is to give children from different backgrounds the chance to discover the thrill of getting wet and riding a surfboard, to connect with themselves, their environment and to build self-worth.

Phil Williams, trustee of Surf Relief UK said, “Being involved with the Gold Ball at Pickwell Manor this year was a brilliant experience. The local community worked so hard to ensure all those attending had a fantastic time. It gave both charities, Surf Relief UK and the Umthombo Street Children project a great platform to explain briefly what they did, and highlight some of the projects.

The auction and other fundraising activities went down really well, and for Surf Relief UK the money raised will mean we can carry out a project here in North Devon to engage with youngsters that might not normally have had a chance to go surfing, or to be involved with the healthy lifestyle that goes with it. We are really excited about this opportunity, and will update the community as plans become more firmed up.’

Surf Relief UK was originally set up by concerned surfers in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. It has since developed 'Project Surfable' three years ago and helped over 2,000 young people; disabled and able-bodied alike.

The Umthombo Street Children project was created to provide street children with an alternative to street life and a way to start reintegrating them back into homes and mainstream society. Many of the children who have gone through its surf programme now have jobs within the surf industry as life guards, board shapers etc. This year sees the programme bringing six young South African surfers over to North Devon to take part in the Surfers – Not Street Children Tour.

Katie Hagley who works with Umthombo Street Children and is based in North Devon commented, ‘We are so grateful to those involved in the ball – organisers, guests and local businesses who donated prizes. We have been amazed by people’s generosity and they really have helped make a difference. We are really excited about the tour in June, which will provide an excellent opportunity to help change people’s perceptions of street children.’

In 2011 the same group of friends organised the hugely successful Purple Ball, which raised over £4,000 for the Purple Teardrop campaign in its fight against human trafficking in the UK.

www.surfrelief.co.uk

Source: Surf Relief

Author: Phil Williams

Tags: Surf Relief, North Devon, Gold Ball, Surfing Charitires

Charities: Surfersvillage