Bianca Buitendag high-fives a photographer at Snapper Rocks. Photo: Matt Dunbar
Bianca Buitendag, who made an impact during the Roxy Pro Gold Coast at Snapper, announced that she will be donating all $25,000 of her earnings to charity. The goofy-footer will be heading to the next event at Margaret River ranked second in the world with the right foot forward.
Hailing from Victoria Bay, Buitendag beat Lakey Peterson during the Semi Finals. She headed into the Finals against Stephanie Gilmore, where her nerves got the best of her. Gilmore took home the win with a total of 15.80pts. Buitendag did not go home empty handed, banking $25,000 with her second place finish.
The day after the Final, Buitendag wrote on her facebook page, “I don’t know about you, but I find myself taking a lot of the gifts and talents I have received for granted. I will be passing my latest privileges on to three non-profit organizations that friends of mine have started in South Africa a few years ago. They are my biggest inspirations. I hope it helps in giving back the opportunities that certain circumstances have taken away. I challenge you to see how far your “little” can go.”
One of the non-profits that Buitendag is referring to is the Aleph Surf International. Their mission is to give youth and their families from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience the impossible-whether it’s through surfing, art, education, or employment. The non-profit started in South Africa, but also has branches in Southern California. Another group benefiting from Bianca’s placing in the Roxy Pro is the Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic located in J-Bay. It was founded in 2002 to serve the Kouga community, when it became evident that there was a need for the advancement of mother and child health. Life Community Services is the final recipient of Buitendag’s winnings. This program started in 1996. They mostly work with children and families from lower income areas through mentoring.
At only 18 years old, Buitendag already seems to have life figured out. Her act of generosity is humbling to say the least.
