Xavier Neil is no stranger to fundraising, in fact the 11-year-old Novocastrian has raised more than $67,000 for charity since he was first introduced to SurFebruary in 2019.
The then eight-year-old was the youngest to take part in the ‘wave a day’ event that year, spurred on by a dream to raise $1,000 for cancer research after a family friend was diagnosed with the insidious disease.
The Tighes Hill Primary School student smashed that goal within 24 hours, raising $12,500 to become the brand’s highest fundraiser for the year.
SurFebruary encourages Australians to catch a wave or jump in the water every day during February to raise funds for specialist cancer hospital Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
Businesses and individuals pledge money to those participants, with every dollar used to support vital research into supportive care, integrative oncology and new therapeutics and treatments.
Though he was too young to know at the time, Xavier had started what dad Ben Neil calls ‘the ripple effect’.
“It was originally meant to be a small life lesson for Xav in doing his first fundraiser,” Ben said.
“He asked me if raising all that money would cure cancer.
“When I told him sadly ‘no’ he wanted to know what else he could do to help do his bit to rid the world of cancer.
“Now he’s inspiring so many others to get involved that he’s creating a ripple effect, and that’s pretty powerful.”
Xavier and his mum Emma soon launched Good X Karma, a small business in which the pair sold their homemade soaps and lip balms and donated all profits to Lifehouse.
In addition, one of Xavier’s biggest supporters, artist Mitch Revs, designed a series of Good X Karma t-shirts for him to sell, again with all profits donated to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
Xavier has since become SurFebruary’s junior brand ambassador.
“When you do good, you feel good,” Xavier told Newcastle Weekly.
“So in February I’ll get up every morning at 5 and go to Bar Beach or Dudley Beach with dad and we’ll go for a surf.
“Even if it’s raining, or cold, or there’s storms – I’ll still get in the water.
“It’s really good for you and it makes you feel great.”
SurFebruary was originally inspired by co-founder Jenna-Lea Clark, who received life-saving treatment at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse after being diagnosed with cervical cancer just seven weeks after the birth of her first child.
It is one of the only charities to donate 100% of its fundraising to research.
In 2021 the SurFebruary Cancer Research Fund provided seed funding to five new research projects across various cancer types.
Now in its fifth year, SurFebruary 2022 organisers are hoping to raise more than $1 million.
“It’s more than double last year’s money raised but there are so many people getting involved now, and this year you can surf, or swim in the ocean baths, or jump in the lake,” says Ben.
“Just jump in the water. As long as you get in everyday it doesn’t matter, and honestly you’ll feel better for it.”
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