Steve has eye on fundraising feat

If you haven't broken out the jandals yet tomorrow is the perfect chance.

Kiwis around the country will be donning their jandals in support of Surf Life Saving New Zealand's National Jandal Day appeal.

Western Bay surf clubs are mobilising members and volunteers to take to the streets with buckets to collect donations tomorrow.

Surf Life Saver Steve Gregory arrived in the country from Cornwall, England, two weeks ago to work at the Mount Maunganui club for the next four months.

Mr Gregory said he will be out doing his part to raise money.

"We'll be collecting in Tauranga," he said.

He said the appeal was hugely important for surf clubs here and in Great Britain.

Mount Surf club coach John Bryant said collectors would be roaming Mount Maunganui from 9am to 4pm on Friday and will also be collecting around Fraser Cove, Tauranga Warehouse and Mid City Mall. Omanu and Papamoa Surf Clubs will also be collecting throughout the area.

Mr Bryant said everything the members collected would go directly back to their club.

He said National Jandal Day was essential in helping cover the cost of summer patrols.

"Our patrol section each year costs about $90,000 to $100,000 for the season."

He was hopeful the club would be able to raise $10,000 to $15,000 tomorrow.

Funds would go towards fuel, IRBs, vehicles, admin costs and getting lifeguards qualified.

There are more than 3000 dedicated volunteer lifeguards throughout New Zealand who give up their summer to protect Kiwis at the beach.

Last season they prevented more than 1000 drownings.

You can support Surf Life Saving New Zealand by purchasing jandals from any Quicksilver store, rounding up your purchase at BP stations, dropping some cash into donation buckets at KFC or on the street, donating at your local State Insurance branch, going to www.surflifesaving.org.nz or texting the word SURF to 4483 to make an instant $3 donation.