Jason Culina with Shannon Eckstein

GOLD Coast United sponsors and fans have played their part in keeping our beaches safe this summer by raising $26,400 for volunteer lifesavers at last Sunday’s match against Wellington Phoenix.

The club donated $1 from every ticket sold to the Surf Life Saving Foundation, and thousands of dollars was also raised through stadium raffles and a special Chairman’s Club auction.

Surf Life Saving Foundation executive director Steve Francia said while the action on the pitch didn’t go the way everyone had hoped with Wellington victorious one nil, Gold Coast United showed they were true champions off the field.

“We were thrilled to team up with Gold Coast United, especially for their last home game of the season,” he said.

“Thank you to the team, the fans, corporate sponsors and to Modern Solar who gave up their space on the back of the team’s jersey to promote our key safety message, ‘Swim Between the Flags’.

“Every dollar that was donated during Sunday’s game will go back to fund the work of volunteer lifesavers around Australia, ensuring our beaches remain the safest in the world.”

Gold Coast United football CEO Clive Mensink said the club hopes to grow the partnership with the Surf Life Saving Foundation next season.

“Gold Coast United is proud to have contributed to the Surf Life Saving Foundation. The support of our corporate partners and fans in raising funds for this iconic charity has been fantastic,” he said.

“Our partnership with the Surf Life Saving Foundation benefits all of us living on the Gold Coast. It’s essential that our lifesavers have the right equipment to keep us all safe at the beach and preserve the lifestyle we all enjoy.”