Carsten’s parents have taught him the value of giving back to society, and he has taken that lesson to heart. Every week upon receiving his pocket money. Carsten places his pocket money into three money jars labelled; spend, save, and share. At the end of each year, Carsten then nominates a charity that he would like to donate his ‘share’ money to.

“When I visit the beach, the surf lifesavers watch me and keep me safe without even being paid, and I look up to the people who do their job really well and one day I might need their help. If I become a surf lifesaver, someone might need my help too. says Carsten.

“They are brave and reliable because each day they’re helping people in the surf, and they don’t even get paid. They help save people’s lives, they help protect our friends and family even though they’re strangers to them. They choose to help their community even though they don’t have to.

“Being a surf lifesaver would be really cool but not on the busiest beach because I am not the strongest swimmer. I also want to be a candy maker or an arcade gaming person.

“My favourite beach is Toowoon Bay, and I swim in between the flags sometimes with my dad and sometimes with my friend which I really enjoy. My dog, Luigi loves visiting the beach too, so we take him for walks at the dog beaches like North Shelly beach.

Carsten decided to donate his pocket money after explaining to his parents the charity he wanted to support was Surf Life Saving. Carstens parents felt like Surf Life Saving was a good option seeing they have helped Carsten directly, and thought it was a great idea.

After raising the pocket money by helping his parents, Carsten says he wants to donate money to SLSA so volunteer lifesavers can have the equipment they need to help people in danger.

“It means I’m safe and the well-trained surf lifesavers are watching me and keeping me safe.” says Carsten.

“They are doing a really good job!

“Thank you so much for doing that job, I really appreciate it and I’m sure everyone else does too.”After Carsten’s generous donation, Carsten has his eyes set on supporting Surf Life Saving by becoming familiar with safe places to swim and insisting on only swimming between the flags.

In the meantime, Carsten will keep walking his dog, Luigi while enjoying the beach with his family.

We are so grateful for Carsten’s support and want to thank his family for letting us share his story.

To donate to Surf Life Saving Australia, please visit: slsmissionzero.com.au