Billabong and SurfAid wade in to boost community health services
GOLD Coast-based surfwear giant Billabong has renewed its long-term partnership with SurfAid to improve the health and wellbeing of locals living in some of the world’s most iconic surfing destinations.
The new agreement will see the launch of “SurfAid September”- a global effort led by Billabong that includes title sponsorship of two SurfAid Cup surf contests and fundraisers in Malibu and Sydney.
Funds raised will go towards key projects, including SurfAid’s program in Nias, In- donesia that has increased the quality of health services for mothers and children,
Billabong athletes, Courtney Conlogue and Dave Rastovich, will also travel to Nias to learn about the projects, with the brand sharing their experiences in September across its eight million plus social media users globally.
SurfAid chief executive Andrew Judge said the charity, which was founded by a small group of surfing doctors in 2000, was stoked to be continuing its successful relation- ship with one of surfing’s most iconic names.
“Billabong has been one of SurfAid’s longest-term supporters – always there when an emergency strikes,” he said.
He said Billabong had been associated with SurfAid since 2003. It pumped $1 million in aid in the wake of the 2005 Boxing Day tsunami in Aceh.
The surfwear giant and its surfing stars have been helping out ever since.
“Mick Fanning, Occy and Parko have been fantastic ambassadors – there has been a longstanding connection between SurfAid and Billabong. Their support has saved countless lives,” Mr Judge said.
He said the program in Nias was providing much needed on-the-ground support, including offering monthly health services in the village.
Shannan North, global president of Billabong, said SurfAid was both the right choice to partner with, enormously popular among athletes and the Billabong team.
“The projects deliver real lasting change to improve the health, wellbeing, and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions near some of the world’s most iconic surfing destinations,” he said.
The approach is to work with each community – a “handup, not a handout”.