BUSINESS and financial experts Evolution Advisers have just held their eighth annual ‘Evolution Charity Cup’ as part of Surfest 2024, raising an incredible $92,000 for local charity,Hope In A Suitcase. This is the second consecutive year the charity was the nominated recipient of funds raised on the day.
A whopping 24 teams surfed in the tag team event at Merewether beach to support this great cause.
All funds raised are donated to Hope in a Suitcase to support their mission of providing children in foster care with something to call their own, through an age-appropriate suitcase filled with a mixture of essential and comfort items that they might have never had the opportunity to own.
Evolution’s Business Manager and Director Jo Bright said that the ability to join with other local businesses to host such an exciting day was a privilege.
“The Evolution team sees this kind of event as a unique opportunity to blend business with corporate responsibility and a little fun, all while supporting Surfest and a very deserving charity.
“A large part of our overall brand is recognising the community that supports our business. We have always seen the need to return this support to the community in which we live and work. Corporate responsibility is at the core of our belief system,” she said.
Each team battled it out both in the fundraising stakes and, in the water, with points awarded not only for surfing prowess but also for a team’s ability to raise funds before they hit the waves.
This year the Lake Mac City Lifeguards, comprised ofZac McMahon, Jake Sylvester, Saxon Lumsden, and James McMoreland reclaimed the surfing title from the Cliff Crew.
The McCloy Group took out the fundraising stakes by raising a huge $21,000.
Jo Bright said Hope in a Suitcase was nominated for the past two years because there was an overwhelming response from all involved to support local families, and particularly those affected by family violence.
Hope in a Suitcase was nominated for the past two years because there was an overwhelming response from all involved to support local families, and particularly those affected by family violence.
A big part of Hope in a Suitcase’s mission is sending children in foster care a message that they are important and cared for by our community. They aim to encourage self-care by providing new essential items such as a toothbrush, toiletries, hairbrush, underwear, and sanitary items for the older girls.
Other items might include a pair of pyjamas and a change of clothes, a teddy to cuddle, a journal or colouring book and pencils to encourage creativity or a toy to provide a distraction away from their turmoil.
In previous years, the Evolution Charity Cup has supported other charities and raised more than $120,000 for SurfAid to assist families connected to surfing and living in isolated areas receive clean water, sanitation and healthcare, while The Mark Hughes Foundation received around $350,000 to continue brain cancer research.
Donations to Hope in a Suitcase can be made here.
Evolution Charity Cup
Results:
1. Lake Mac City Lifeguards
2. City of Newcastle Lifeguards
3. Solvd
4. Evolution
Surfest Newcastle Australia is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Surfest Newcastle Australia 2024 presented by Reflections Holiday Parks is also proudly supported by Burton Automotive, The City of Newcastle, Reflections Holiday Parks, crowd funding from the Newcastle business community, and Newcastle and Hunter Regional businesses.
