Funds help lifesaving clubs keep locals safe

Thanks to the generous Christmas spirit of local residents, volunteers from Geraldton surf lifesaving clubs raised more than $2000 during their annual street appeal recently.

The surf lifesavers could be spotted a mile away on December 2 in their red and yellow patrol uniforms, shaking cans to raise money for new rescue gear and equipment as well as training and community education courses.

Champion Bay Surf Life Saving club president Peter Nelson said surf lifesaving played an important part in the Geraldton community.

“It gives young kids an opportunity to learn skills,” he said.

“It also introduces kids to community service as well.”

Mr Nelson said the clubs raised about around $2350 from the street appeal, with the money going straight to the Geraldton and Champion Bay surf life saving clubs.

“The money goes to the surf clubs in town here so that’s the advantage.

“It’s not going off to Perth or the Eastern States,

“We’ve constantly got to replace and replenish gear,” he said.

Mr Nelson said without the equipment, it would be a lot tougher for volunteers to save lives.

“It makes it a lot harder to cover the areas and get out and do the rescues,” Mr Nelson said.

“We appreciate that people get behind it and put some money in the tin.”

The Champion Bay surf club has been running for 16 seasons and the Geraldton surf club was founded in 1930.

Contact Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club on 9921 3403 if you would like to make a donation to support its fundraising effort.