Helping out some funky fellas

The funkiest group at the pool!

It was a blistering hot day and a group of lads were all keen to go to the local pool for a swim to cool off. Not a unique story, except these 27 boys, aged between 8 and 11, live in one of Africa's poorest countries and don't have parents who can buy swimwear for them. The boys stripped down to their underwear and jumped in under the watchful eye of Phil Grindley and his wife Anna, who look after them as their dorm parents at Ministerio Arco-Iris, a Children's Centre near Mozambique's capital city, Maputo.

The boys are ready to hit the pool

Phil and Anna could not help notice that the boys were being laughed and stared at, and as their dorm parents, even they were the subject of quizzical glares from other patrons because the boys were swimming in a public swimming pool in their underwear. So Phil (Papafil as they boys call him) began a quest to supply the boys with swimwear. They had a rough start to life and had suffered enough without having to lose their dignity and self-esteem when they went for a swim. An email for help, found its way to seven-time world champion surfer and 'Aim for the Stars' founder Layne Beachley, who contacted the team here at Funky HQ.

What better to do on a hot day!

We set about jamming as many trunks, watershorts and underwear into a box as we could plus of course frisbees and beach balls for them to play with when they hit the pool again. Upon hearing what we were up to our freight partners, DHL Australia were so touched that they kindly waived their freight costs and collected the Funky Trunks box for its long journey to Mozambique. It was opened and taped back-up three times, scrutinised by customs, until it was finally cleared and a relieved Phil was allowed to take it for the hopeful boys.

This is how you wear your funkys with style

We know our customers love receiving a parcel from us but surely this is the most excited we've seen! Phil described their next trip to the pool on another scorching day, "The afternoon at the pool was incredible. Our boys were able not only to feel the love in their new swimwear, beach balls and Frisbees, but even better than that, they were able to share the love as well! I think everyone at the pool that day had a chance to throw a frisbee and punch a beach ball. New friends were made that day, and the boys dignity and self-esteem received a massive boost."

The perfect day for fun in the sun

We were so happy to be able to support Phil and Anna in the incredible work that they do for the boys at Ministerio Arco-Iris and a big thanks to DHL Australia for their help as well.