IF you’re stuck in the office this summer and dreaming of the beach, live out your surf fantasies
by busting out the board shorts for the next annual “Boardies Day”.
It’s the one day of the year when wearing your comfiest, trendiest or most hideous board shorts
to work will not only be allowed but also applauded. As Australia’s largest volunteer movement,
Surf Life Saving will be relying on all offices, schools and communities to roll up their fundraising
sleeves this summer for the biggest Boardies Day campaign in history.
Held on Friday, February 22, 2013, participants have between now and then to reach Surf Life
Saving’s goal of $1 million – a small amount considering that surf lifesavers gave more than 1
million hours of their own time last year to keep Australian beaches safe.
More than 12,600 people were rescued by surf lifesavers last year. As our dedicated teams head
into the busiest period of the year, it’s vital to ensure this iconic part of Australia’s culture remains
intact.
“If we could raise one dollar for every hour that our surf lifesavers gave of their own time last
year, we’d reach our fundraising goal,” Surf Life Saving Foundation CEO Steve Francia said.
“People expect our volunteers to be there, providing a safe environment for Australians to enjoy
beaches and waterways throughout the country.
“What many may not realise is that it costs a lot of money each year to keep our volunteers on
our beaches equipped with the gear and training required.”
Every dollar raised counts; a $120 rescue tube was used in 2,927 rescues on Australian beaches
last year alone.
The annual fundraiser will next year include “Bosses in Boardies” to entice the corporate sector
and competitions to promote mass community involvement.
“We are encouraging bosses to challenge their employees to reach a fundraising target, and if
they succeed, the bosses will wear board shorts or beach attire to work on Boardies Day,” Mr
Francia said.
Mr Francia said the exciting addition to the organisation’s biggest fundraiser was a good
opportunity for businesses to showcase their social awareness while boosting morale in the
office.
“Boardies Day is Surf Life Saving’s national “dress down” day which celebrates Australia’s love of
summer and helps raise vital funds for Surf Life Saving,” Mr Francia said.
“Another addition to Boardies Day is our photo competition. Following the craze of Instagram we
urge people to take photos of their colleagues, their classmates or friends in their boardies.
Remember to be as creative as you’d like!”
Online registrations have opened allowing participants to personalise a fundraising page and
begin collecting now.
“We encourage anyone participating to begin fundraising now, that way they can relax and enjoy
the festivities on Boardies Day,” Mr Francia said.
Mr Francia encouraged communities across the country to maximise their fundraising by planning
celebrations including parties with neighbours, pool parties, BBQs and picnics.
“Schools can also get involved through organising ‘inter-class’ competitions where each class is
challenged to raise the most money. Schools can win prizes from our website, or the ultimate
prize of a visit from our Westpac Helicopter,” Mr Francia said.
“Businesses can have lots of fun with Bosses in Boardies by throwing a beach themed office
party or lunch. Instead of your usual ‘dress-down’ Friday, wear your favourite or daggiest pair of
boardies.”
For more information or to register, log onto www.boardiesday.com.au