It’s summer, which means it’s the perfect time to create a wave of change.
And who better to lead the way than SurfAid? After visiting the Mentawai Islands in 1999, physician and surfer Dr. Dave Jenkins found that these remote areas of Indonesia were plagued by an extremely high maternal and child mortality rate due to preventable causes. Being the first doctor to ever visit the villages, he knew that he had to do something. And thus SurfAid was born.
How SurfAid Helps:
SurfAid works in locations where thousands of children under the age of five die each year — and 70% of these deaths are preventable. In order to create a lasting effect, SurfAid staff implement a “hand up, not a hand out” philosophy toward aid. Local staff provide advice, training, and expertise, but it is up to the community to implement and embrace change.
By educating locals on simple things like washing their hands before delivering a baby, sleeping under a mosquito net, exclusive breastfeeding, and improved nutrition, the organization has made an incredible difference in the communities they work in.
Their Impact:
In Nias Indonesia, SurfAid has helped to reduce maternal deaths from eight annually to zero in just 28 months. During the same timeframe, there were 22 deaths of children under the age of five and that number has been reduced to five deaths. Not only that, but in the past 15 years the nonprofit has also helped communities rebuild their lives after three major natural disasters.
How You Can Help:
Donate at SurfAid.org
Listen to Surfify, SurfAid’s exclusive album on Spotify (it’s free!)
Buy a t-shirt to support the cause.
Start a SurfAid Campaign to get friends and family involved.
Host a benefit event.
Learn more at SurfAid.org and let’s turn the tides together.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
