Rockfish Exeter raise £8,500 for The Wave Project 20 May 2020

In Mental Health Awareness Week, a Devon restaurant has done its bit for children’s mental health by donating over £8,000 to our surf therapy projects. 

The Exeter branch of restaurant chain Rockfish raised £8,522 for the charity by inviting customers to donate £1 with every meal.  

The funds raised will support our evidence-based surf therapy programme in Devon, which helps children improve confidence and social skills through surfing.  

Restaurateur and food writer Mitch Tonks, who owns Rockfish, said: “I’m so happy that we as a business can still support our nominated local charity, Wave Project Exeter, even during this pandemic when normal service and normal operating of clubs like Wave are suspended. 

“The work they do is vital and we want to be part of helping them to survive, when life is back to normal their work in our community in Exeter will be needed more than ever.” 

 Katie Smith, our South Devon coordinator, said: “We are so grateful for the generosity of Rockfish customers in Exeter in supporting our charity.  

“These funds are vital for us at this difficult time for the charity sector, and we are super grateful for this amazing support. This money will allow The Wave Project to get more young people in the water than ever before.” 

Part of the money raised will be used to buy specialist surf boards that enable children with disabilities to try surfing.  

Katie added; “The adaptive surf boards opens up the chance for young people who are physically unable to surf independently to access surf therapy in a safe and controlled environment, working with our qualified surf coaches.” 

Due to the Rockfish’s great food and support to local charities, they became finalists in the 2020 Exeter Living Awards.