Why not Paddle Against Poverty on April 8

That’s why he takes great delight in doing whatever he can to raise funds to bring as many children out of poverty as possible.

Mr Hatton will continue his fundraising efforts on Saturday, April 8 when he takes to the water for the 17^th annual Paddle Against Poverty.

If previous years are any guide, about 100 paddlers will travel about 15 kilometres from Wollongong Harbour to Thirroul.

Organisers hope to raise about $16,000 for Compassion Australia and Project Purpose W4W.

The Christian Surfers Australia-run paddle has always supported Compassion Australia, which has released more than 1.8 million children from poverty through its child sponsorship program.

This year organisers are also supporting Project Purpose W4W, whose founder Kain Sissons recently returned home to Wollongong after extensive travel throughout Africa and Indonesia searching for waves, connecting with communities and seeing the lack of clean, safe drinking water.

“This epic local initiative sends Waves For Water clean water filters to communities in need around the world,’’ Mr Hatton said.

He added there was a big push to make Paddle Against Poverty events run at the same time all around Australia.

“But at this point Wollongong is the only annual event,’’ Mr Hatton said.

“We’re hopeful of once again getting about 100 paddlers take part to help us raise about $16,000.

“It’s a fun event but we’re raising awareness and funds for a couple of important causes.

“Myself and Kane [Sissons] have both spent a lot of time in third world countries and villages. My family and I lived in Zimbabwe in an orphanage in 2015.

“We’ve got hearts for that but we’ve also got hearts for surfers and this paddle is just a really fun way of doing a charity event, especially how spectacular it is on the coastline. It is an incredible view.’’

Depending on the weather the paddle begins at 8am from Belmore Basin or from Stanwell Park. Details at paddleagainstpoverty.org.au.