Community Fundraising event SurFebruaury started as a simple way to give back. Eight years on, it's now an inspiring, community-driven movement. As we wrap up another year, SurFebruary shows just how much people can achieve when they come together for a cause.
The goal is simple: get in the water every day in February and raise funds for cancer research. This challenge was born in 2018, when 28-year-old Jenna-Lea Clark received a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Wanting to turn a difficult time into something meaningful, Jenna-Lea and her husband Arron, a passionate surfer, invited friends and family to surf every day in February to raise funds for Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. That first year, their surf community from Cronulla raised an incredible $20,000.
In 2021, the grassroots challenge took on an even greater purpose with the creation of the SurFebruary Cancer Research Fund. The fund now supports vital seed funding for young researchers. This is often the initial funding required for new ideas, which can lead to life-changing breakthroughs.
SurFebruary has grown into a nationwide event that has raised $2 million for cancer research. The fund has supported over 26 research projects, helping drive better treatments and outcomes for people with cancer.
Thank you to everyone who has surfed, swum, splashed, or cheered from the shore. If you have a fundraising idea, just remember: one small wave can spark lasting change.
