Surf sisters ride with heart

WHAT began as wanting new wetsuits has now led to seven young girls raising money for a bigger cause.

Bella, 7, Lyla, 8, Ali, 8, April, 8, Bella, 8, Zaiya, 12 and Mimi, 12, are known as the Lorne Surf Sisters, surfing together throughout the year, including winter.

“Some of us surf the whole winter in 3/2 wetsuits with no booties and it can be freezing! So we thought we could save money by making T-shirts for people to buy so we could purchase wetsuits for all of us,” Lyla said.

Together the girls decided that they were already fortunate enough, and could give the money to children who are less well off.

The Lorne Surf Sisters have decided to donate the money they get from the T-shirt sales to the Refugee Migrant Children’s Centre, supporting refugee children.

“One amazing thing they are doing is raising 500 hours of English lessons to help the children learn to speak English so they can have the same chance as us at school,” Mimi said.

The Refugee Migrant Children’s Centre is very grateful to have the support of the girls.

“You know the future of the world is in good hands when you have a group of young girls such as the Lorne Surf Sisters in it,” Refugee Migrant Children’s Centre founder Alice Wojcik said.

“It’s an incredible difference they are making by supporting other kids that now call Australia home.”

Local surf brand Roxy heard of the Lorne Surf Sisters and has now offered them wetsuits for free.

“We knew they were looking to raise money for wetsuits for our cold Victorian winters, which we were keen to support,” Roxy marketing manager Daphne Yeo said.

“When we heard they wanted to donate all profits to the Refugee Children’s Centre instead, we decided to help the girls out with some winter surf gear to keep them out there when the water’s chilly.”

The Lorne Surf Sister T-shirts, designed by the girl’s, will be at the Lorne Surf Shop, Sharky’s and Ghanda in Torquay and Lorne for $27.

“We are also setting up a stand in front of our families and friends local cafes around Lorne too,” April said.