As if you needed another excuse to like Kelly Slater or Shane Dorian, here’s one more. Just last year, the two were the faces of an Omaze campaign wherein the winner got to travel to Tavarua avec Slates and Dorian for an all-expenses-paid fun fest. Shortly after it was announced the winner was a Hermosa Beach woman named Staci that didn’t surf, internet trolls emerged from beneath their bridges, and Kelly quickly put them in their place.
You may recall that sweepstakes required a donation to one of several worthy causes: SurfAid, MORE Than Sport Foundation, Skate to School Scholarship Fund, or Smile Train. As it happens, this campaign raised $75k for SurfAid alone, supporting mother and child health programs in remote areas of Indonesia, and as a result SurfAid is honoring the two as Humanitarians of the Year at this year’s SurfAid Cup Malibu.
Dr. Dave Jenkins, founder of the organization, expressed his enthusiasm to honor both this year. “Shane and Kelly have been long time supporters of SurfAid,” he said in a recent press release. “In addition to raising funds for our programs, the Omaze campaign raised much needed awareness. The perception of living in what appears to be paradise in remote island communities is really different from reality. Many communities lack clean water, basic healthcare and sanitation, yet they are the playground for the global surf community. For Shane and Kelly to use their position to help moms and babies thrive and survive, shows the type of character they have. They are extremely deserving of this honor and on behalf of SurfAid, I look forward to publicly recognizing them for their support.”
Last year’s campaign with Omaze wasn’t the first time Kelly or Shane used their celebrity for a good cause, nor was it the last. Shane and Jamie O’Brien recently ran another campaign, this time offering a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Maldives. And Kelly recently announced another sweepstakes as well, for the trip to surf his wave pool.
Shane will accept SurfAid’s Humanitarian of the Year Award on behalf of himself and Kelly at the SurfAid Cup Malibu Kick-Off Party Friday September 9th at Duke’s Malibu. A limited number of tickets will be available to the public and can be purchased online.
