If There’s One Positive Thing About These Fires, It’s Seeing Everyone In The Surf Industry Do Their Part To Help

The toll of the Australian bushfires will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. The numbers are staggering. One estimate this week put the toll on the Australian economy at $20 billion. But never fear, the surfers are here. 

As the fires have captured the world’s attention and given notice to what exactly climate change looks like (it is not pretty), this week a flurry of surfers and surf companies have stepped up to raise some coin for the coffers. Yesterday we announced how you can win a trip to Indo for doing the right thing. But there’s so much more out there. Should you feel so inclined to chip in and do your part, to help naviagate the smokey waters we’ve put together a list of who’s doing what. By no means definitive, these are but a few of the more unique endeavors that are tugging on our heartstrings. If we’ve forgotten anyone let us know in the comments below:

Make It Rain 2020

A two-day music festival, Make It Rain at The Beach Hotel in Byron Bay kicked off yesterday and wraps today. Bands include Wolfmother, Arc, Bernard Fanning and others. As part of the fundraising effort, you can bid on a surf day with Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning (current bid is $5,700). Steph Gilmore’s also kicked in a signed personal board to be auctioned off (currently going for $3,100).

Mick Fanning / Dragon Alliance

Mick’s also raffling off one of his personals in partnership with his longtime eyewear sponsor Dragon. The raffle will be held on Monday, January 13. All funds will go to Red Cross Australia. As of the writing of this, the board has already raised over $18,000.

Julian Wilson / JS Industries / FCS

Julian Wilson is also raffling off a personal sled. He’s teamed up with JS Industries and FCS on the effort. FCS will also be donating all of their profits from sales over this upcoming weekend. The winner will be drawn this Friday. 

Occy / Bosko

Maybe you’re more of an Occy fan, in which case how about a JS Raging Bull model signed by the man himself? Surf photographer Bosko, who’s been very active raising funds for fire victims, is auctioning off the piece of memorabilia on Saturday, January 11. Funds will go to Treading Lightly, “a local highly trusted and respected charity group on the south coast right in the mix of the fire destruction, they will split up the proceeds to families affected and animals in need of urgent care,” says Bosko. The board’s at $1,600 at the moment.

Paul Fisher / Dance For Disaster

If you’re looking to dance the blues away, look no further than Paul Fisher: “Alright Sydney, dust off your dancing shoes cause this Sunday 12th of Jan I’m throwing DANCE FOR DISASTER BUSHFIRE APPEAL at The Ivy from 2pm. Rich Penny & Little Fritter will be on from 2pm then I’ll be playing a 5 hour extended set!! 100% OF THE DOOR 100% OF THE BAR.”

Sally Fitzgibbons / Boost Mobile

Taking an innovative approach to both the fires and the issue of climate change, Sally Fitzgibbons is helping with Boost Mobile’s efforts to giveback. They will be donating all profits from the sale of refurbished phones sold in January. “If you or a friend is in need of a new phone over the next month, now is the chance,” says Sally. 

Dion Agius

Taking an artists approach, Dion Agius is making a series of 10 collection’s edition prints. He’s selling heat print for a cool $100. The money will go to Kangaroo Island Relief and Recover Bushfire fund. You can shoot him a DM for more details.

Chris Hemsworth

Bringing the Hollywood star power into the surf response, Chris Hemsworth has announced that he will be donating $1 million. “My family and I are contributing a million dollars. Hopefully you guys can chip in too. Every penny counts so whatever you can muster up is greatly appreciated,” writes Hemsworth on Insta. “Beyond appreciative to everyone around the world for their well wishes and donations. It really does make a difference, so dig deep!

McTavish

Sometimes all it takes is one surfboard. McTavish Surfboards is raffling off a very rare, early-1966 9’5″ Cord shaped by Bob McTavish from the personal archive. Raffle tickets are going for $100 a pop and they’ve already raised $42,000. The winner will be announced on Monday, January 13. All proceeds will be donated to WIRES to help rescue the native animals in distress.

Ocean and Earth

Ocean and Earth has started a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising $100,000 from the international surf community. They’re looking to distribute the funds “among the different local registered charity groups who are doing an amazing job on the ground getting these communities back on their feet.”

“The south coast is one of the most beautiful places on earth, peaceful and charming. It will be in much need of continued support through out the coming years,” Tyler Wright wrote on insta. “As much as I’ve complained about all the tourists over the years and possibly let down a few tires and water bombed a few homes in my youth. We need you, now more then ever. Along with all the other communities across Australia that have been devastatingly effect by this disaster.”

Dead Kooks Surfboards

If you don’t think a small fish can have a big impact, look no further than the fine folks at Dead Kooks Surfboards. They’ve been raffling off boards and have managed to raise over $65,000 for the Raffles are done. We managed to raise $65,000 for the NSW Rural Fire Service. “That’s fucking incredible … Globally politicians are standing idle or starting dumb wars, it’s amazing to see people standing up and making it count in the face of adversity!

RVCA Bushfire Raffle

RVCA is looking to pledge and raise a total of $20,000 via their Bushfire Raffle. Proceeds will be evenly distributed to the Red Cross, WIRES, Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and Queensland Fire & Emergency. RVCA ANP Artists Melissa Grisancich, Elliott Routledge, Will Lynes, Nathan Pickering & Sid Tapia have each donated a work that will be raffled off. Each ticket is $50 and there are  x200 tickets available to purchase to help us reach this goal.

Boardriders

The Boardriders (namely Billabong and Quik) will be donating all of their profits online sales in Australia this weekend. The campaign will run January 11 and 12. The commitment hold true for “the rest of the Boardriders family of brands as well as Surf Dive ‘n Ski…This is the first of many initiatives we have in the works to support our country in crisis.

Rusty Australia

Rallying around the belief that “Together we are stronger,” Rusty Australia just launched a special Bushfire relief tee. Profits will be split 50/50 between Red Cross Australia and WIRES Wildlife Rescue.

Hurley’s dollar-for-like IG post

You read that right. For every like that the Hurley post below receives, it will donate $1USD to Australian relief funds (up to $25kUSD). In less than 30 minutes, the post almost has 10k likes, so they’ll reach the 25k mark in no time. Do your part and double-tap!