Lifeguard Aid to Syrian Refugees
Donation protected
This campaign has ended but www.gofundme.com/lifeguardthemed has begun:)
-----------
Syrian Refugee Aid Mission:
My name is Simon Lewis and I am the Director of Lifesaving at St Kilda Lifesaving Club, Victoria. I was just accepted onto Team 1 with the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) and will be on the on the ground in Mytilene Greece from January 4-12th as part of a Humanitarian aid mission to assist with the rescue/recovery of Syrian Refugees.
For many months, the coast of Lesvos in Greece, has been the epicentre of thousands of Syrian Refugees seeking safety and shelter. Unfortunately for a countless too many, the trip across the sea has ended in untold drownings and deaths. In recent months, Lifeguard Hellas have facilitated setting up aid stations along the coast to provide first responder medical and rescue assistance for the Syrian Refugees arriving by vessel. From there, Syrian refugees are given warm clothing, food, safety from the treacherous course they have taken… and most importantly, hope and dignity.
Our team will consist of 6 lifeguards from all around the world. Our goal for these eight days is to make sure we do our part so that no more children wash on to the shore like the famous image ingrained in our minds (Image Here). Team 1 were all handpicked by ISLA as being ‘amazing’. I personally don’t think I’m amazing but I have been lucky enough to be able to use my learnt lifesaving skills to save lives and help my community. My dedication to water safety has been rewarded with nominations for the Victorian Lifesaver of the Year – John Wishart Medal (2015), Pride of Australia Medal – Heroism Medal Category (2015) and Victorian Premier's Volunteer of the Year - (Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award) and becoming the fundraiser story for SLSA foundations Australia day 2016 Appeal.
Due to my last minute acceptance and my family’s current finances, I am hoping to receive donations to help with costs. These donations are used to assist me with ISLA fees, my travel to Greece (totally around $3000) and lifeguarding equipment all of which is full accountable and trackable. Although, I am hoping to get more than enough donations so that I can buy supplies in Lesvos for the refugees and for more lifesaving equipment to be used. As a return of investment in me, I can provide content and pictures and share my story with your audience.
We have worked out a deal with an award winning documentary film maker who is going create a documentary about this issue and involving us as we work with the Greeks and help out with this crisis. It goal of the doco is to show humanity and raise awareness, she is an amazing artist (you can see a trailer of a film she made here: Video Here ).
The refugees are innocent infants, children, mothers, and fathers. They have given up everything they have to make a desperate journey across a horrific sea in the middle of winter. My personal aim is to use my unique Australian lifesaving skills to rescue or recover their bodies from the water and help give the person their best chance at life or dignity in death. It’s not an easy journey to be made but I hope to do what I can and represent Australia in the best light. Please let me know if you can help or are able to share my story to assist in getting on the ground and saving lives. My gofund me page: https://www.gofundme.com/hye45amk
Simon Lewis
-----------
Syrian Refugee Aid Mission:
My name is Simon Lewis and I am the Director of Lifesaving at St Kilda Lifesaving Club, Victoria. I was just accepted onto Team 1 with the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) and will be on the on the ground in Mytilene Greece from January 4-12th as part of a Humanitarian aid mission to assist with the rescue/recovery of Syrian Refugees.
For many months, the coast of Lesvos in Greece, has been the epicentre of thousands of Syrian Refugees seeking safety and shelter. Unfortunately for a countless too many, the trip across the sea has ended in untold drownings and deaths. In recent months, Lifeguard Hellas have facilitated setting up aid stations along the coast to provide first responder medical and rescue assistance for the Syrian Refugees arriving by vessel. From there, Syrian refugees are given warm clothing, food, safety from the treacherous course they have taken… and most importantly, hope and dignity.
Our team will consist of 6 lifeguards from all around the world. Our goal for these eight days is to make sure we do our part so that no more children wash on to the shore like the famous image ingrained in our minds (Image Here). Team 1 were all handpicked by ISLA as being ‘amazing’. I personally don’t think I’m amazing but I have been lucky enough to be able to use my learnt lifesaving skills to save lives and help my community. My dedication to water safety has been rewarded with nominations for the Victorian Lifesaver of the Year – John Wishart Medal (2015), Pride of Australia Medal – Heroism Medal Category (2015) and Victorian Premier's Volunteer of the Year - (Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award) and becoming the fundraiser story for SLSA foundations Australia day 2016 Appeal.
Due to my last minute acceptance and my family’s current finances, I am hoping to receive donations to help with costs. These donations are used to assist me with ISLA fees, my travel to Greece (totally around $3000) and lifeguarding equipment all of which is full accountable and trackable. Although, I am hoping to get more than enough donations so that I can buy supplies in Lesvos for the refugees and for more lifesaving equipment to be used. As a return of investment in me, I can provide content and pictures and share my story with your audience.
We have worked out a deal with an award winning documentary film maker who is going create a documentary about this issue and involving us as we work with the Greeks and help out with this crisis. It goal of the doco is to show humanity and raise awareness, she is an amazing artist (you can see a trailer of a film she made here: Video Here ).
The refugees are innocent infants, children, mothers, and fathers. They have given up everything they have to make a desperate journey across a horrific sea in the middle of winter. My personal aim is to use my unique Australian lifesaving skills to rescue or recover their bodies from the water and help give the person their best chance at life or dignity in death. It’s not an easy journey to be made but I hope to do what I can and represent Australia in the best light. Please let me know if you can help or are able to share my story to assist in getting on the ground and saving lives. My gofund me page: https://www.gofundme.com/hye45amk
Simon Lewis
Organizer
Simon Lewis
Organizer
St Kilda VIC