Jewson takes out top service award for Kids+

A JAN Juc Surf Lifesaving Club member has won a Geelong-based allied health charity’s top individual honour.

Stephen Jewson was recently awarded the 2024 Donna Shaw Spirit of Kids+ Award for his voluntary contribution to the Kids+ Foundation.

Alongside dedicated volunteers, Mr Jewson has been instrumental in running a surf education program on the beach for children and young people with disabilities.

The Kids+ Surf Ed program offers an opportunity for children to experience the beach, the ocean, time on a surfboard and even a trip on a jet ski.

Mr Jewson said he was taken aback to be acknowledged by the local charity.

“It [the accolade] is more about the club than just me,” he said. “This is an award ultimately for everybody and it’s nice we have been given some recognition.

“The program is just great for all involved and goes towards making great humans of everyone.

“We love doing it. It might be the only time children and these families get to the beach all year. To make it happen is just wonderful; the smiles are infectious.”

The ninth annual Kids+ Surf Ed program will take place at Fisherman’s Beach, Torquay from January 13 to 16, 2025.

It will again be supported by the teams at Torquay Angling Club, Torquay Marine Rescue Services, and Go Ride a Wave.

“We can’t wait for it. There are 20 children registered for the program, eight of which are wheelchair-bound,” Mr Jewson said.

“We will get them out in the water and on uneven surfaces like the sand to help engage their core and help with their rehab.

“Getting the children on the boards and through the corridor of love [riding past everyone on a wave] will be a big highlight again.”

For more information, head to kidsplus.org.au