Sustainability is the key.
With all the ideas generated in this early phase of supporting Local Surf, the biggest challenge has simply making the rent each month. Its a constant drag, and an emotional journey to secure R15000 every month, without any funding or revenue generating streams. So it has quickly become apparent this, is the most vital area to focus on. Once a sustainable model has been created that can at a minimum cover the rent, electricity and daily meal, only then can bigger ideas (of which there are so many!) can come to fruition.
Base costs to operate (monthly)
Total is R15000/month just to keep the doors open. All staff are unpaid volunteers
Rent R12000 / Electricity R1000 / Food supplies R2000
With this in mind, we switched track from focussing on individuals to help us, and created a model to involve the core local businesses in our community to back the program, with a relatively small financial subscription of R500/month. A sticker has been created for partner shops to display, which shows their commitment to our communities children, and also lets their customers know about us, with the added bonus of a link back to have individuals contribute should they feel inspired.
At this stage we have only approached the core independent stores in our neighbourhood, it seemed the obvious place to start. A community caring for their own. Below is a list of those who have committed, others still in talks
Our Local Business Patron Supporters
- African Soul Surfer – surfcamp B & B, Surfers Corner www.africansoulsurfer.co.za
- Lifestyle – surfshop, Surfers Corner www.lifestylesurfshop.co.za
- SurfLab – surfshop & ding repairs, Atlantic Rd www.surflab.co.za
- Surf Store Africa – kite & surf shop, Beach Rd www.surfstore.co.za
