Summer Appeal collection day on its way

Kiwis around the country are being encouraged to show their appreciation for surf lifeguards by supporting the fast approaching Surf Life Saving Summer Appeal collection day.

Collectors will be out in force from the North to South on Friday, encouraging Kiwis to give generously to the charity working to keep people safe at the beach this summer. 

Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO Paul Dalton says the Summer Appeal is an important annual event for Surf Life Saving to raise awareness and much needed funds that support our lifesaving services.

"Our lifeguards give up their summer to keep a watchful eye on New Zealand's favourite playground, the beach, but they need the public's help to keep them there. There are still a huge range of costs to keep volunteer lifeguards trained and equipped with the gear they need to save lives," he says.

Mr Dalton says Surf Life Saving is an essential rescue service as well as a charity and with the support of the New Zealand public, we can ensure it's safer for everyone. "It's all about protecting our community in the water.  The safety of people on the beach is our core business and lifeguards patrolling the beach are an integral part of that," he says.

Please give generously when you see collectors out on the street this Friday, January 31. You can also text the word 'SURF' to 933 to automatically donate $3 or visit ww.surflifesaving.org.nz to donate online.

This summer, around 4,000 volunteer lifeguards will spend over 200,000 hours on patrol. During an average summer, over 1,200 people are rescued from life threatening situations. Last year that number was over 1,600.

For over 100 years, we've kept you safe between the flags. As a charity, your donations have made that possible. Today, our future is in your hands.

For more information about the Surf Life Saving Summer Appeal visit http://slsnz-appeal.org.nz/

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Honeybone, Media & Communications Specialist, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.honeybone@surflifesaving.org.nz