Malibu will be the site of a unique fundraising event featuring American world record swimmer Jessica Hardy and SurfAid Founder Dr. Dave Jenkins swimming alongside other teams in support of SurfAid International, a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated island regions of Western Sumatra www.surfaidinternational.org
“It means a lot to be a part of an organization and an event that is truly making a difference in the lives of a population, especially children, who are often overlooked by the outside world, even though they are in one of the most beautiful surfing and swimming destinations in the world,†says world record holder Jessica Hardy.
Malibu is an integral link in the annual Swim4Humanity which will take place in eight cities in California in 2010 (San Diego, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and San Francisco), as well as Florida, New York, and New Jersey from March to May. Participants ask friends and family to sponsor them in a 30-minute lap swim, and may also choose to participate in a competitive freestyle lap swim and fun relay race. Participants win prizes for fundraising levels as well as for the relay and competitive swim races. SurfAid will give the top fundraiser an Indonesian surf trip thanks to World Surfaris and Joyo’s Surf Camp (valued at $5,000). Swim4Humanity 2010 is now open for individual and team registrations. www.surfaidinternational.org/swim4humanity2010
“This event was a great success last year, raising over $60,000 and we hope to go over $100,000 this year to further support our health and nutrition, water, sanitation, and emergency preparedness programs in Indonesia,†comments SurfAid International Founder, Dr. Dave Jenkins. Swim4Humanity will begin a year of special events linked to celebrating the 10th Anniversary of an organization dedicated to helping a population in severe need.
About SurfAid International – Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary in 2010
Established in 2000 by Dr. Dave Jenkins with support from like-minded individuals, SurfAid seeks the alleviation of suffering through health projects that enhance local capacities and promote community-based, self-help solutions, guided by the aspirations of its beneficiaries. SurfAid’s internationally recognized mission is to specifically improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in the Mentawai and Nias islands, where it runs water and sanitation, disaster preparedness, and health programs. With the support of the New Zealand and Australian Governments, the global surfing and wider community, and the Mentawai and Nias people of the affected areas themselves, SurfAid has come to exemplify the healing power of cross-cultural partnerships..
About Jessica Hardy
Jessica’s career highlights include World Record in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, Two-Time World Champion, American Record Holder, and Two-Time National Champion. Jessica is from Long Beach, CA and lives in Los Angeles, CA.
