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National Jandal Day donations have exceeded expectation as final contributions roll-in around the country. Kiwi’s generously supported Surf Life Saving’s annual appeal day as Lifeguards and collectors flip-flopped their way around the country on Friday 4th December raising approximately $352,000 - and proceeds are still coming in.

“Surf Life Saving provides an essential service to our community that is clearly appreciated by the public of New Zealand. Our first National Jandal Day two years ago raised $260,000 so we’re delighted with the result and appreciate each and every donation we receive,” says Grant Florence, Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

“It’s been a tough financial year for us – last year’s economic downturn resulted in reduced funding with Charity Gaming and Community Trust support in decline and we’ve taken a substantial hit in the pocket. It’s great news that our national appeal day has delivered a good result again this year,” says Florence.

Surf Lifeguards collecting for their Clubs were challenged on the day with cold weather in most of the country and flooding in the North. SLSNZ believes this reduced the amount of money collected as there were less people on the streets.

“Ironically our national appeal day celebrates the beginning of summer - on reflection perhaps the weather was a prelude to summer for some parts of the country given the extreme conditions on the day.” said Florence.

Havaianas were major sponsors of National Jandal Day donating over three thousand pairs of jandals to Surf Life Saving. Havaianas spokesperson Dane Winter said it’s was the perfect fit for the International jandal-guru company to support National Jandal Day.

“Jandals are such an iconic part of Kiwi culture and the service that Surf Lifeguards provide at New Zealand beaches is absolutely essential for this island nation. Havaianas and National Jandal Day are an obvious fit and we’re very proud to be supporting National Jandal Day and Surf Lifeguards on our beaches,” said Winter.

Havaianas are also extending on National Jandal Day festivities with the Havaianas Lilo Challenge at Mount Maunganui Main Beach on Waitangi Day. In a first for New Zealand, a giant Jandal will be created in the water by people on Havaianas’ jandal shaped Lilos. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Surf Life Saving.

More FM and ASB were on board too with ASB selling official keyrings to support the day. Progressive supermarkets were a new sponsor and also sold keyrings at each of their Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths stores around the country.

National Jandal Day 2009 was Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s third annual appeal day.

ENDS

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