Volunteer Lifeguard of the Year calls for help

Antony Mason. Photo Otago Daily Times

Surf Life Saving's 2012 DHL Volunteer of the Year has offered endless hours to his local club and he doesn't want to stop now. That's why Antony Mason is encouraging people to support Surf Life Saving's National Appeal so that Lifeguards like him can continue to patrol New Zealand's beaches every summer.

The St Clair Surf Life Saving Club member is asking people around the country to show their appreciation for Surf Lifeguards by supporting the fast approaching Appeal from December 2-8 which includes National Jandal Day on December 7, proudly supported by Principal Sponsor State Insurance.

Collectors will be out in force from the North to South encouraging Kiwis to give generously to the charity working to keep people safe at the beach every summer. Just like the beach, Jandal Day is for everyone- so everyone is encouraged to wear their favourite jandals and be part of the fun. The day is both a celebration and a reminder of the great work Surf Lifeguards do.

Proceeds raised will go directly towards training Lifeguards, the purchase of essential rescue equipment and extending services to meet the growing needs of our communities.

Every Kiwi is encouraged to participate in National Jandal Day, whether it's by wearing jandals and making a donation to street collectors, getting schools or workplaces involved, or making a donation online.

The new Jandal Day website includes a range of exciting features you can donate via your smartphone or simply text 'surf' to 4483 to give. Some of the features include the ability for individuals to create their own supporters' page and lay down a challenge to others to raise funds and set their own targets that links to the Hero Meter- a personalised visual representation of each team or individual's fundraising efforts.

Visit www.surflifesaving.org.nz to register as a supporter, set targets and add in a picture and supporter information. Pages can be shared with friends and family to encourage them to support the fundraising efforts.

There are lots of other ways to get involved. Look out for collectors on the streets or make a donation:

• Online at www.surflifesaving.org.nz
• Text the word SURF to 4483 to make an instant $3 donation.
• Post your donation to: Surf Life Saving, PO Box 9205, Wellington 6141, Freepost 100280.
• Making a donation at your local State Insurance branch.
• Drop some cash into KFC's in-store and drive through donation buckets.
  Purchase jandals from any Quiksilver store.
• There are a large range of businesses and stores supporting Appeal Week, so whether you are near a club or not you can still give generously.