Surf Aid announces staff changes and Christmas Holiday Appeal

Humanitarian aid organisation, SurfAid International, announced today a major program initiative and a change of senior staff. After guiding the organisation since its inception six years ago, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and co-founder Andrew Griffiths is leaving to pursue other interests.

While officially departing, Griffiths will remain a key advisor and is already volunteering to guide and assist several new programs. “SurfAid and the Mentawai people are in my heart forever,” Griffiths said. “It’s been a tremendous challenge and ultimately a very fulfilling experience to have contributed towards creating a platform from which people can express their compassion for humanity in a structured and sustainable manner.

“To be moving on from my role as CEO and be able to look around and see such an amazing team and donors able to take SurfAid to the next level is very inspiring.” SurfAid co-founder and Medical Director, Dr Dave Jenkins, said: “While it is sad to see my friend Andrew move on, it is apparent that he is changing roles to enable his pursuit of other interests and perhaps a more balanced life.

“Over the years I have been closest to Andrew’s incredible spirit and determination and, without his resilience and talent, SurfAid would still be a small, largely part-time, volunteer organisation helping only a few villages. “After Andrew’s years of hard work, SurfAid is now servicing a population of more than 100,000 people in impoverished surfing locations in the remote islands off Sumatra, Indonesia, and we are making a real difference to their health.”

SurfAid is also pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Steinfort as COO (Chief Operating Officer). Steinfort, an accountant with a track record of project management, is a former professional AFL (Australian Football League) footballer who represented the Geelong and Collingwood clubs. Also joining the team as Communications Director is Kirk Willcox, a long-time surf industry executive and former editor of Australia’s Tracks magazine.

SurfAid USA Marketing and Communications Director Lou Niles has been promoted to Managing Director of the US operations, and Vivienne Hill has been appointed Development Manager for SurfAid New Zealand.

SurfAid also announced today that, in partnership with the Mentawai Health Department and UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund), they will begin a major program to control malaria in all 203 villages in the Mentawai Islands and then strive to eradicate it by 2015.

SurfAid was the first organisation to run formal scientific trials of malaria control in the region in two pilot villages, which extended to 22 villages. The trials showed that a major reduction in malaria transmission is possible utilising new, long lasting insecticide nets and community-wide malaria education.

SurfAid has also launched a Christmas Holiday appeal to raise money for this new program. Donations can be made via SurfAid’s website.

About SurfAid International
The mission of SurfAid International, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization, is to improve the health of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing.  In response to the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster, SurfAid also conducted emergency medical relief programs in North and West Sumatra, and Aceh, Indonesia. SurfAid is incorporated in the USA, Australia and New Zealand with the program base in Padang, West Sumatra.

www.surfaidinternational.org