Santas on jet skis attempt world record in a bid to raise money to buy Christmas presents for kids in 'resi' care

More than 150 Santas have crowded a Gold Coast waterway in an attempt to break a world record. SEE THE VIDEO

A WORLD-record attempt of Santa’s on jet skis delivered a spectacular sight for onlookers dotted along Gold Coast’s canals on Sunday morning.

Organiser Jane Padden said 156 people took part in the Guinness World Record attempt that left from the Broadwater and travelled to Chevron Island.

“It was amazing,” Mrs Padden said.

“We won’t know for months if we were successful because we have to send them drone footage and stewards must send in evidence and it can take months and months. 

“But if we didn’t smash the record we’ll do it again next year - and be a lot more organised.”

She expects the event, and its associated silent auction, raised about $10,000 for Christmas Presents for Kids in Care.

EARLIER: 

SANTAS on jet skis, 150 of them, are set to hit the Gold Coast’s iconic Broadwater on Sunday morning in a Guinness World Record attempt with a difference.

All money raised will ensure 350 children aged between 12-18 in residential care, because adoption and foster family care did not work out, receive a Christmas present.

“Most of these youngsters have had a very troubled childhood and that is why they have found themselves with no loving family to take care of them,” said Jane Padden, from Christmas Presents for Kids in Care charity.

“That really hurts especially at Christmas when people are coming together and sharing gifts to show they care.

“So I decided to set up a charity that had a simple aim, to show those who have no loved ones that there is someone out there who cares.”

Lee and Jane Padden ahead of their world record attempt of Santas on jetskis on Sunday to raise money to buy Christmas presents for children in residential care. Picture Glenn Hampson

The charity started in 2014 and every year since then it has grown in momentum, with this year’s Jetski Parade fundraiser the most daring to date.

Tickets are sold out but locals are welcome to watch the spectacle that starts at 9am near Sea World.

Christmas-theme jet skis and their Santa riders will go under the Sundale Bridge about 9.30am and around Chevron Island and back again, all at a safe six knots.

Drones will be recording the Guinness World Record attempt and they have to beat the previous record of 129 Santas on jet skis.

Mrs Padden said there were strict rules in regards to ensuring riders kept a certain distance from each other, ensuring there were no significant gaps.

The parade will travel three abreast through the canals, with the new Green Bridge the best place to see all the action from about 9.30am.

To make a donation visit forkidsincare.org or search go to Christmas Presents for Kids in Care on Facebook.

Lee and Jane Padden (middle) with Jane and Nick Rushton (left) and Billy Briggs ahead of their world record attempt of Santas on jetskis on Sunday to raise money to buy Christmas presents for Gold Coast kids in residential care. Picture Glenn Hampson

ONLINE BOOKLET SANITY SAVER FOR PARENTS - April 2020

Juggling single parenting and full-time work at home, Kate Armstrong still managed to create an 126-page “sanity saver” online booklet to help parents of bored kids.

But it’s not a clever money-making scheme, the Pacific Pines woman is donating all funds raised from the sale of the $6 printable A Book of Helpful Bits to help locals struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“In a bid to find enough activities to keep my boys occupied at home, I found as many school and education links, craft ideas, things to do at home, time-out ideas for parents and working from home tips,” she said.

Kate Armstrong and her sons, Jack 11 and Hayden 7 (who she is teaching at home) with her new ebook on the computer. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Then I whacked it all together into one big PDF and put it on Esty so others don’t have to spend the time researching stuff for their kids to do. I’d like to think of it as a handy little sanity saver.”

Ms Armstrong said while she was fortunate to still have a job, she had countless friends and family who didn’t and were struggling financially and emotionally.

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“I’m hoping that because it’s only $6 parents will be able to afford it. All of the money raised will go to buying grocery and fuel gift cards; I will give some to close friends and family but the rest will be donated through GIVIT – a charity I both work for and love.”

Ms Armstrong is also the founder of The Little Elves Project, the idea of her sons, Jack, 11, and Hayden, 7. They collect donated Christmas gifts for Queensland kids living in care and since 2017 their annual event has given nearly 15,000 gifts to kids in need.

Kate Armstrong and her sons, Jack 11 and Hayden 7, who she is helping to learn at home, has created an online resource to help parents and raise money for GIVIT. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Meanwhile, GIVIT recently asked well-meaning Gold Coasters to stop dropping off their unwanted items to charities, schools and nursing homes. Instead it asked them to pledge their items online through its website.

Chief executive Sarah Tennant said GIVIT’s virtual warehouse allowed individuals and businesses to donate items, services and cash. Registered charities then reserved donations when they were needed or they could request specific items not already pledged that were urgently needed in their communities.

She said the non-profit’s website removed the need for councils and charities to physically collect, sort and store donations, significantly reducing the administrative and financial burden.

Mrs Tennant stressed donated items need to be of high quality, “goods you would proudly give to a family member or friend”.

To donate items, funds or services visit givit.org.au.