Gifts for Volunteer Surf Lifeguards

Oct 16, 2020

From: Gisborne Herald 

Tolaga Bay Surf Life Saving Club has been given a new inflatable rescue boat and a side-by-side bike by Kuru Contracting.

Ricky and Leanne Kuru presented the equipment to the club.

The Tolaga Bay club has been affected by the forestry slash that came down on to the beach again this winter.

“In recognition of this we took the opportunity to donate new gear to the club,” said a spokesperson for Kuru Contracting.

“We hope it will help their operations over this summer season run more smoothly.”

Kuru Contracting has also been assisting at Tolaga Bay with some diggers working fulltime to get the beach cleaned up before summer.

The Provincial Growth Fund has helped make that work a reality.

“Ricky and Leanne have always enjoyed giving back to local communities,” the company spokesperson said.

“The surf club is made up of a high percentage of tamariki and whanau from Tolaga Bay.

“Not only are they learning the valuable life lesson of how to swim in the ocean, but over summer there are paid work opportunities for them during the camping season.

“Special thanks to MP Meka Whaitiri for making the presentation for us.”

Uawa Tiako Tai club captain Kerehama Blackman said words could not express their thanks and gratitude to Rick, Leanne and the Kuru Contracting whanau for their support.

“As humble as they are, they didn’t want to make a big deal of it, but in true Uncle Padre fashion, all hands were on deck including Meka Whaitiri and her team.

“We have all had a tough 2020, so to have Kuru Contracting sponsor a new Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB), engine and our very first All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to help us keep our beaches safe this summer is a welcome contribution.

“Thank you to everyone who came along to the presentation. Awesome.”