Gold Coast tourism campaign Gold Coast Beach Parade tries to set new world record at Burleigh Heads in May

Gold Coast Bulletin

Jodie Callcott 

April 29

A GOLD Coast social media influencer with one million Instagram followers is using her fame to encourage locals to help raise money for wildlife.

Emily Field is the latest to sign up to the Gold Coast Beach Parade, a new tourism campaign aimed at showcasing the region’s pristine beaches and healthy lifestyle.

All entry fees to the event on Sunday, May 16, will be donated to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation to raise vital funds for the Coast’s koalas. Organisers are also trying to set a world record for the most people wearing koala ear visors in a beach parade. Ms Field said it was the responsibility of all Gold Coasters to help the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital due to the “amazing work” they do for animals.

The 16-year-old high school student said she would be walking the parade on May 16 with her friends and family and encouraged her one million followers to do the same.

Event organiser Leanne St George said the event would shine a spotlight on the Coast’s beaches and “our famous healthy and lifestyle” .

She said they hoped 1000 people would sign up to the event and raise about $20,000 for the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation. A young group of Gold Coasters passionate about protecting Australia’s wildlife are the latest to sign up for an event aimed at showcasing the city and its world-class beachfront while also raising vital funds for koalas.