MAKING WAVES: OCEAN HEROES ON BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
At ToyBox Australia, our mission is simple: to bring joy and make a real difference in the lives of children who need it most. One of the ways we do this is by proudly supporting initiatives like Ocean Heroes, a program that’s changing lives one wave at a time.
For children living with autism, the world can sometimes feel like an overwhelming place. Building self-confidence, making genuine friendships, and feeling part of a team can all be daunting hurdles. Ocean Heroes offers a unique and uplifting solution: the power of the ocean. By providing free, fully supported surf events across Australia, Ocean Heroes creates a safe, inclusive space where children on the autism spectrum can experience the thrill of riding a wave, many for the very first time. Beyond just learning to surf, these events empower children to feel proud, capable, and connected in a way that’s both fun and deeply meaningful.
The impact of these events is beautifully summed up in the words of two parents who attended recent sessions in Bondi and Cronulla:
"It's the happiest I've seen my child in a long time. Love it!"
And another heartfelt story:
"Our morning with Ocean Heroes was FANTASTIC. Every single person we interacted with was kind, encouraging, positive and patient. Being in year 8 in a mainstream school, Lucas is having a hard time understanding why he really struggles with things like sport (even though he wants to love it) when it comes so easily to everyone else. He is sadly going through the phase of being the kid who will always be picked last on the team :( But last Saturday, Lucas felt capable and proud and dare I say, invincible! We live in the Inner West so none of his friends have ever surfed before. I got to witness the beaming smile on his face as he shared with his friends the photos and videos of him standing up and riding the waves all the way to the shore - something no one expected he could do. I cannot express how much this has helped his self esteem already. Monday morning, instead of the usual low energy and dragging his feet, he walked into school with his head held high, like he was 2 feet taller. Lucas has even told me he wants to take up regular surf lessons - so hit us up if you know of an appropriate program that's run in the Bondi Beach area!
To everyone who was there on the day and worked so hard behind the scenes, I know your time is valuable, so thank you so much for giving up your day for us. Often our kids find it difficult to express their gratitude in conventional ways and I'm sure you might sometimes wonder how much fun they ACTUALLY have or whether any of this experience had an impact. I just wanted to assure you that once they are home, relaxed and regulated - you couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces if you tried. For that, I am deeply grateful for all you do. See you next year!"
Stories like these are a small glimpse into the difference your support makes when you stand beside ToyBox Australia and Ocean Heroes.
As the Ocean Heroes team gears up for a series of exciting events across Queensland — joined by some of the Miss Universe Australia Finalists — we’re reminded that the true magic lies in the smiles, the laughter, and the newfound confidence that each child carries home long after the surfboards are packed away. To the volunteers, organisers, and everyone who makes these days possible: thank you for creating moments of pure joy, and for giving children the courage to believe in themselves, both in and out of the water.