More than $20,000 in funding is set to be shared by five local charities and victims of the Townsville floods thanks to the generosity of members, visitors and supporters of the Coolum Surf Lifesaving Club.

Coolum Beach SLS Supporters Club Community Benefit Fund will distribute $23,104.20 in proceeds to the Coolum Salvos ($6,000), Coolum St Vinnies ($6,000), Coolum Meals on Wheels ($2,000), Coolum Quota Club ($2,000), Coolum Hearts ($2,000) and the Townsville Salvos for Flood Victims Appeal ($5,104).

Ninderry MP, Coolum-based Dan Purdie said the Surf Club had a proud history supporting the local community.

“With a proud legacy boasting a centenary of active community service, it’s great to see the Club’s ongoing support being shared across a number of local charities.

“The Coolum Surf Club has always been popular with locals and visitors alike, and it is great to see the Club re-investing funds back into the community,” Mr Purdie said.

Dan will join Supporters Club President John Ellingsen and committee member Gary Barben to hand over the funds, which will be used for a variety of local projects, including emergency food parcels and rent assistance (St Vinnies), providing chairs for the Salvation Army Church in Coolum, and training for the new Director of the  Heartbeats Drumming Group (Coolum Hearts).

The Surf Club’s customers also generously donated in support of the victims of the Townsville floods, raising $2,552.10, which was matched by the club. The Townsville Salvation Army will distribute these funds on the ground in Townsville, where they have been supporting the clean-up operations.