As a fundraiser,  Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club President Skip Guy says that its Santa on the Beach photo sessions ticks all the boxes.

“People like the idea of helping a charity rather than a business, they get to relax by coming to the beach as a family, they get to see our facilities and atmosphere, and we get to make a signif-icant amount of money for our Club in a short period of time.”

In only its second year, 350 families had photo sessions, with the pictures emailed out to them.

“It is such a great backdrop, and people are so relaxed,” he says.

“Our volunteer photographer, Kasia Ovenden, does such an amazing job. The event wouldn’t be the same without her talent.”

The idea has caught on with other local clubsthis year, but Skip doesn’t mind the competition for business.

“There is more than enough to go around,” he says. “It is natural to want to support your local club.”

The sessions have even generated some new members, as people have enjoyed their time there so much and found out more about the spirit of the Club.

For any novice competitors out there, the Club is holding a Development Carnival on 6 January, designed for first timers of all ages from any club.

Kiama Downs SLSC is also hosting the South Coast Branch Carnival on 20 January, and all are welcome to come down to watch the competition and enjoy the Club’s facilities.