They recently decided to give $2000 to I Am Hope, a charity that provides counselling for under 25 year olds, with the aim to help young farmers in need get better access to services that can provide them with help.
The money will come out of proceeds from a new raffle the organisation is running.
Last summer 2814 farmers from 16 regions around the country took part in Surfing for Farmers sessions, which consist of a surfing lesson and session, followed by a barbecue.
The events are free, with funding from sponsors paying for wetsuits, boards, tutors and barbecues.
National coordinator Jack Dustin says after reviewing the season, organisers realised that the biggest issue that kept getting raised was a shortage of gear, including boards and wetsuits, to allow for the events to continue growing.
To help fund that they decided to hold a raffle, with all proceeds, other than the I Am Hope donation, going towards being able to provide more gear in more locations next summer, along with more coaches to keep farmers in the water.
The raffle’s prize includes return flights for two to Gisborne from anywhere in NZ, transport to a weekend’s accommodation at a Wainui beach house, catering while there, coaching from former professional longboard surfer Dan Croskery, and a custom made surfboard and merchandise pack.
It’s open to anyone over the age of 18, no matter what level of experience.
For more information, visit the Surfing for Farmers Facebook page.
