Carla Tooma

mygc.com.au

Burleigh Beach was a sea of koala ears on Sunday for the GemLife Gold Coast Beach Parade.

A total of 956 participants walked along the sand from Burleigh Heads to North Burleigh and back, setting a world record for the most people in a beach parade wearing koala ears.

Celebrities, sports stars, politicians and influencers joined locals of all ages at the event, which also raised much needed funds for the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to help support and care for the city’s koalas.

“The final donation to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is $20,500 which will go a long way to support the 600 plus koalas taken to the hospital for care every year,” said Event Director, Leanne St George

“People have supported us because they love the fact events are back, they are delighted to support the cause and they understand this has been an opportunity to showcase the best of our coastal lifestyle and entice people to come here for a holiday.”

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Veterinarian Dr Michael Pyne said he was thrilled to see so many Gold Coasters helping to raise funds for the hospital.

“It’s just amazing to see the support of the Gold Coast people to get behind Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Hopefully this will become an annual event that can grow and grow, and we can come back next year,” he said.