🦩 Pink Flamingo Community Raises $1,500!
The spirit of generosity, community and fun was on full display at West Beach on Saturday 20 December, as supporters gathered for the annual Pink Flamingo Swim/Walk/Roll, proudly raising $1,500 to support people living with spinal cord injury.
Held at the West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, the colourful event brought together friends, family, community members and long-time supporters, many proudly dressed in a mix of flamingo inspired swimwear and accessories.
Event organisers, Kate Smyth and Martyn Talbot held the first Pink Flamingo Walk/Swim/Roll in 2020 and have since raised close to $7,000 for estara through the annual event. Kate’s involvement with estara came when her partner Alan had an accident and was diagnosed as a complete tetraplegic. The event is held each year in memory of Alan/ Jasper/ Macca McFarlane, honouring his legacy in a way that continues to inspire participation, connection and kindness for people living with spinal cord injury.
“When Alan first had his accident and was diagnosed as a complete tetraplegic, we all had our lives turned completely upside down. The amazing people at estara were the people who gave us practical advice and support and, perhaps more importantly, hope for the future. The Pink Flamingo event is our small way of helping estara continue to provide this incredible support to people in need.”
The story behind ‘The Pink Flamingo’!
Alan McFarlane was a part of the West Beach Life Saving Club and regularly did the Saturday club swim. One week he was running late and missed the swim so joined the other clubbies for a drink on the deck. This was then that they saw a large inflatable Pink Flamingo toy get caught by the wind and be swept down the coast. Alan sprinted down to the water and dived in, trying to catch it for the family who'd lost it. He swam as fast as he could and was gaining on it but the wind picked up and he had to give up. He returned to the deck to the applause of the other clubbies. That was the kind of man he was - helping other people, going 100% at everything, even if it seemed hopeless, and having a lot of fun while doing it!
Funds raised from this year’s event will support estara’s work in empowering South Australians living with spinal cord injury to live full, independent, supported lives. It will help fund peer support, outreach and advocacy, and community programs which provide connection for people living with spinal cord injury.
estara is incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in the event, those who swam, walked, rolled, volunteered, donated and supported. Your generosity helps ensure life-changing support continues for people living with spinal cord injury.
“Events like this remind us of the power of community. Every person who attended, donated or supported from the sidelines helped create impact beyond the day itself.”
Thank you for making the 2025 Pink Flamingo Swim/Walk/Roll a success!
Donations were made on the day and contributions can still be made online to support estara’s ongoing work.
