Tom Hewitt MBE receives Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award.
The award recognises 25 years of pioneering work developing surfing as a tool for positive change.
We are delighted to share that yesterday in Carlsbad, California our founder and Global CEO Tom Hewitt MBE was awarded the Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award.
The award was presented by the Mandela Family, The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the PTTOW! (The Plan to Take On The World!), and recognises his 25 years of pioneering work with Surfers Not Street Children.
The award was presented at an invitation-only event for CEOs and cultural icons, spanning 70 major industries.
On receiving the award Tom said “I am so thrilled to receive this award which recognises 25 years of pioneering work developing surfing as a tool for bringing about positive change. Not only are we working in the toughest environments and saving lives, but our surfers are at the heart of an exciting transformation in African surfing underway across the continent”.
“This award gives me even more resolve, alongside my awesome colleagues, to ensure that no child has to live on the streets”.
Also awarded is the pioneering African surf brand Mami Wata (above) who have supported our work, and the renowned Rev. Al. Sharpton, civil rights legend.
Tom wants to thank Kweku Mandela for being such a great friend of Surfers Not Street Children as well as a personal champion of children’s rights and especially ensuring every young person gains the skills they need to succeed.
He also wants to thank Kelly Slater, Terry Hardy and the team at WSL for their ongoing support for everything we do.
