A simple holiday swim in Fiji has led Sydney teenager Tilly Cooper to launch a heartwarming initiative, collecting swimwear for local children who have none.
Thirteen-year-old Tilly was holidaying in Fiji with her family when she noticed something unusual—local children swimming in their school uniforms and everyday clothes.
The discovery stuck with Tilly long after she returned home. Determined to help, she launched a swimwear drive, leveraging her connections at the Upper Northern Beaches Surf Club.
“I thought a swimwear drive would be really good,” says Tilly, a dedicated junior surf lifesaver at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.
Tilly’s initiative quickly gained traction, with local surf clubs and businesses stepping up to donate swimwear. With the community rallying behind her, she has sourced over 300 pairs of goggles, wetsuits, and rashies.
“When I spoke to one of the general managers at the resort, they told me that owning swimwear is a huge privilege,” she shares.
“They also explained that many locals struggle to see underwater while fishing, and in the colder months, they freeze without wetsuits.”
Now, thanks to Tilly’s efforts, what would have been discarded surf club rashies and unused swimwear are finding a new home.
Tilly and her family plan to personally deliver the donations when they return to Fiji in March. “We reckon we’ll have enough for at least two villages,” she says proudly.
Tilly’s passion for giving back has caught the attention of Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, who has pledged to recognise her efforts in Parliament. “There aren’t many 13-year-olds who come back from a holiday in Fiji with a mission to give back to the community,” Scruby said.
“Tilly is a changemaker and embodies the spirit of Pittwater.”
For updates, follow the initiative on Instagram: www.instagram.com/myfijianclothesdrive.
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