By Pura Vida Divers
Ho, Ho, Ho, the holidays are here! In the rush of constant holiday shopping and festive parties, it’s sometimes challenging to remember why we’re officially celebrating and what the season is ultimately about. So, we thought we at Pura Vida Divers recommend a few alternative ocean-related “gift” ideas to keep with the true giving spirit of the holidays and aid in local conservation.
Our first charity of choice for you Florida ocean lovers is Friends of Our Florida Reefs. Formed in 2015, Friends of Our Florida Reefs assists and enhances the critical efforts of the FDEP to conserve and protect the northern section of the Florida Reef Tract. Their goal is to work as a dedicated citizen support organization “filling significant budget gaps, preparing for rapid response to emergencies and self-initiate direct action, education and outreach.” We like this charity because of the direct local impact to our Florida reefs and the local community.
We pledge this holiday season, for every new Facebook “like” during the month of December, Pura Vida Divers will donate $1 to Friends of Our Florida Reefs. This is an easy way to participate in charitable giving this year and only takes a quick click on your computer at this link. You can also give directly to Friends of Our Florida Reefs via their website in the form of donations, memberships, corporate memberships and vehicle donation options.
Project AWARE
Additionally, Pura Vida recommends Project AWARE. As their mission statement proclaims, “Project AWARE is a global movement of scuba divers protecting our ocean planet one dive at a time. Focused on the critical issues of sharks in peril and marine debris. Project AWARE empowers thousands to work together for a clean, healthy and abundant ocean planet.” As you may know, Pura Vida Divers adopted Phil Foster Park several years ago and more recently adopted Blue Heron Bridge through Project AWARE’s Adopt a Dive Site Program.
As such, we host quarterly volunteer shoreline and underwater cleanups where we report all our marine debris findings to Project AWARE. The data we collect helps bridge the gap in knowledge and influences long-term waste management solutions at local, national and international levels. Join us and effect global change through our grassroots efforts! Our next organized cleanup takes place on Saturday Dec. 17. Check-in at Phil Foster Park begins at 9 a.m. Alternately, contribute directly to Project AWARE by purchasing a membership or giving a donation via their website. Or, take any Scuba Diving class with us and we will donate $10 on your behalf through the 100% AWARE program!
In addition to the newest frying pan or plastic who-see-what’s-it, give the gift of ocean conservation and feel empowered with your conscientious choice. Plus, donations to both organizations are tax deductible so you get a little holiday gift for yourself as well.
Happy shopping to you, and if you’re in the neighborhood and want to come join us at our festive holiday party, please stop by Pura Vida Divers at 2513 Beach Ct., Riviera Beach, FL on Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. for food, drinks and general merriment. We wish you an amazing holiday season and Happy New Year!