Wanda SLSC and Wesley Mission charity partners working together to save lives.
With online entries now open for this year’s PAYCE Sutherland 2 Surf (PAYCE S2S), held on Sunday 23 July 2017 there is an even greater reason to participate – the cause of mental health and suicide prevention.
Wanda Surf life Saving Club organisers of the PAYCE S2S and Wesley Mission’s LifeForce program and its sister service, Wesley Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland, have joined forces with the aim of saving lives.
While Wanda Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) protects and saves lives in the ocean and on the beach, Wesley Mission is saving lives through its suicide prevention program, Wesley LifeForce and the crisis phone support service, Wesley Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland.
The PAYCE S2S, now in its 46th year, is Wanda SLSC‘s major fundraising initiative.
Michael Brannock, Race Director and Life Member of Wanda SLSC said: “without these funds Wanda SLSC would not be able to undertake their role as volunteer surf lifesavers.
“There are significant costs to organise an event of this nature, so without the support of our many volunteer club members, lifesavers and sponsors the PAYCE S2S would not be viable.
“Being a community based charity we see the importance of partnering with other charities and Wanda SLSC is thrilled that Wesley Mission has agreed to be the 2017 PAYCE S2S major charity partner.”
The CEO of Wesley Mission the Rev Keith Garner said he was delighted that Wesley Mission was supporting a powerful event that draws upon the community spirit of the Sutherland Shire.
“Wesley Mission has been providing a wide range of community and aged care services to the people of the Shire for decades,” Mr Garner said. “Wesley LifeForce has delivered suicide prevention skills training to almost 40,000 Australians. The national program has also established and continues to support 72 suicide prevention community networks across the country believing local people have the best solutions for local problems.
“Wesley Mission’s Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland centres answered 40,253 calls from people in crisis last year. Like the rescue board, the IRB or the commitment and strength of life savers, Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland continues to rescue people from the depths of despair amid the unrelenting waves of life.”
PAYCE Director Dominic Sullivan welcomed the Wesley Mission’s joint charity partnership with Wanda Surf Life Saving Club.
“As primary sponsor of the Sutherland2Surf and a strong supporter of local community activities, PAYCE is pleased to be associated with these two important community bodies whose main focus is on keeping people safe,” he said.
“PAYCE has an existing and rewarding relationship with Lifeline and most recently supported its participation in the 2016 TCS New York Marathon to help raise funds for its vital crisis support services.
“The Wesley Mission’s involvement in the S2S event will further raise awareness of the organisation and help promote the good work they do through their programs and services in the Shire and throughout the country.
“Both Wesley LifeForce and Wesley Lifeline’s Sydney & Sutherland programs do a magnificent job all year round towards helping people in desperate circumstances.
“It is hoped everyone gets behind the partnership and gives this year’s PAYCE Sutherland2Surf all the support it deserves,” Mr Sullivan said.
A commemorative medal is being handed out to all participants who complete the race. So whether you run or walk solo or run in a team don’t forget to pick up your medal as you cross the finish line.
For serious runners, the 200 fastest seeded runners will again be automatically placed into this year’s Brooks Pro-Sprint Category and cash prizes are up for grabs for first to fourth place getters, male and female. For 16 years and under, participants will automatically go into The Athlete’s Foot Youth (16 & Under) Category where there are also cash and other prizes for first to third place getters male and female.
Are you registering as a team? Make sure you complete the online registration and note your Team type and team name. And encourage others to click on the donation link and support the vital work of Wesley LifeForce and Wesley Mission’s Lifeline service.
Teams to choose from include the:
Gym (P/T) (Personal Training) Team Challenge;
Corporate Team Challenge sponsored by Caltex or the Runners Team Challenge sponsored by SUPAGAS. A plaque will be presented to the winning gym P/T, corporate and Running Teams.
To Enter go online to www.sutherland2surf.com.au
