Empowering local children in waves: AWX partners with SalTy Souls Legacy

    Laura Guthrie • Sep 19, 2023

    At its core, AWX channels being partners in people in many forms – collaborating with various stakeholders, including families seeking employment every day and local organisations like SalTy Souls Legacy, a non-for-profit initiative on the Sunshine Coast.

     

    The legacy began five years ago with a dream to provide vulnerable children with a surfboard of their own. This dream was sparked by the memory of SalTy Soul's brother, Tyler Kennedy, a Caloundra surfer who passed away on a trip to Bali in 2017.   

    Tamara Smith, co-founder of SalTy Souls, reflects on Tyler’s zest for life. 


    “Tyler Kennedy had a heart that was bigger and deeper than any ocean. He was the saltiest of souls. He lived to be in the water. His legacy will see vulnerable kids and teens be given the same opportunity.”   



    AWX's Commitment to SalTy Souls


    AWX’s partnership with SalTy Souls stems from a longstanding relationship with Kerry Smith, Tyler’s brother-in-law and Black Cat Civil’s team member. 

     

    AWX Branch Manager at the Sunshine Coast, Steve Hunter, reflected on the positive impact that comes from offering these children the opportunity to thrive in the water and in life. 


    “It’s a chance to get involved with children who have had a rough start in life and have a meaningful and positive impact on their development – it’s an awesome gift to be able to give. The fact that this involves the ocean is a bonus,” said Steve. 


    As a seasoned Surf Life Saving volunteer, Steve’s hoping to assist in the water, helping the children to stand on their new surfboards. 

    While the AWX Sunshine Coast branch employs over 500 people daily, the partnership with SalTy Souls highlights AWX’s commitment to improving the well-being of local communities. 


     “This partnership shows that AWX is about more than business relationships,” Steve said. 


    Beyond Business


    AWX Regional Manager Rob Hope shared insights into his connection with SalTy Souls as AWX strives to be partners in people on many scales. 


    “It returns the support Kerry has given AWX, and goes a long way to demonstrate that AWX is invested in real and meaningful partnerships, not just business transactions,” said Rob. 


    “It's early days, but as their season kicks off there will be opportunities to be involved in supporting the programs. We are also looking forward to SalTy Souls major fundraiser in February too,” he said. 


    “This is a great opportunity for AWX to be involved with a charity that supports the community. You often see sponsorships that support sport or a venue, whereas this supports the youth in our community regardless of who and where they are. It’s a fantastic charity and legacy Tamara and Kerry are delivering.” 


    For Tamara partnerships like these allow the SalTy Souls team to dedicate their time to the children and change their lives without the constraints of fundraising efforts. 


    “SalTy Souls means everything to me. It means changing lives for the better, giving those who need it most some hope and a chance at healing and belonging to something. It's channelling our love for Tyler into something that will honour him forever,” Tamara said. 



    Igniting Moments of Growth


    “Every SalTy Souls program ignites moments of growth. “Some of our SalTy's come to us quite non-verbal and two years later they're going on TV to represent SalTy's for a Child Protection Week campaign,” she said. 


    “From watching them stand up for the first time to showing the courage to even show up. We now have kids offering to help coach to give back to SalTy's - being part of SalTy's is a feeling like no other. It's from the heart and for the heart.” 


    AWX’s partnership with SalTy Sould showcases how businesses and communities can work together to uplift lives and nurture aspirations. Find out more about SalTy Souls supporters here. 


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