Christmas Cheer in the air for Surf Life Savers
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park provided Surf Life Saving the perfect opportunity to remind hundreds of thousands of
Kiwi’s to keep safe at the beach this summer.
Hagley Park in Christchurch and Auckland’s Domain were awash with red and yellow Surf Lifeguard uniforms as over 500
collectors made their way through the record crowds raising over $100,000 for Surf Life Saving.
Christmas cheer was in the air as concert goers happily donated to Surf Lifeguards along with a generous dose of
appreciation for the services Surf Life Saving provides to thousands of Kiwi’s each year.
Since Surf Lifeguard patrols began in most parts of the country on Labour Weekend – more than 174 people have been saved
and lifeguards have racked up more than 30,000 volunteer patrol hours so far this summer.
“Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park gave us a great opportunity to remind holiday makers to keep safe on our beaches this
holiday season.” says Geoff Barry, CEO Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
“We are fortunate at Surf Life Saving that our services are widely recognised and appreciated by the public as so many
people gave generously. Most charities have reported a 25% drop in street collections so we consider the funds raised a
testament to the work our lifeguard’s do.” said Barry.
Surf Life Saving is the recipient charity for Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. Volunteer collectors sold light sticks
and Santa hats to a record number of concert goers in Christchurch and Auckland.
ENDS