In four hours the Elves Club raised more than $18,000 on Dec. 3, thanks to a new event called Crash the Coast that saw first responders across the Sunshine Coast stand, cap or boot in hand, at high-traffic locations to solicit donations.
“It was just a fantastic event,” said Elves Club president Lynn Nestman. “I’m over the moon with what we raised.”
The Dec. 3 drive that ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. brought in $18,333 for the Elves Club, which is using the money to purchase gift cards to give out to those in need this Christmas.
A total of about 500 families have applied for assistance from the Elves Club this year and, with the Crash the Coast totals, the club will have close to $38,000 to divvy up between them.
Gift cards will be handed out next week.
“I’m just tickled pink with how Crash the Coast worked out this year, and going forward we want to grow it,” Nestman said, noting the event would be in addition to the traditional Elves Club Telethon next year.
“With both events, next year is going to be spectacular.”
