The Wimmera Project has raised more than $21,000 to support men’s health as part of the Movember appeal.
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Project captain and former Stawell resident Kieran Ryan said it had been a phenomenal team effort from members of the Wimmera Project and the wider community.
“It is crazy to think that the Movember bike ride from Melbourne to Stawell has generated such a buzz among the community,” he said.
“It successfully opened up a discussion about men’s health and that is what we were aiming for.”
Mr Ryan has been a member of the Movember Foundation for eight years and has raised more than $46,000 in his time.
He said his moustache was for his two friends and many others who had committed suicide.
“It has been the main reason I became involved,” he said.
“In 2009 at age 21 when I lost my first friend to suicide I thought we are too young for this to be happening, something needs to change.”
Former Ararat resident and Wimmera Project member Rachel Billett was also drawn to the Movember Foundation after her father lost a battle with depression at age six.
“I am so thrilled to have raised more than $5000 but the money is not a priority for me,” she said.
“The important point is getting people talking about men’s health and I am so amazed at how the community has responded and donated.
“My father passed away when I was six but the older I have gotten the more I understand that males tend to hide and choose not to speak about their internal battles because of a stigma.”
Halls Gap resident David Tapscott participated in his first Movember appeal and was pleased to bring men’s health to the fore.
“I am happy with the $550 raised and pleased to bring awareness to an important issue,” he said.
Grampians Pharmacy contributed to the cause with $2,034 in their appeal.
- If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the suicide helpline on 1300 651 251