Lifeline fundraiser inspires week of giving

LIFELINE Geelong South West Victoria says the $30,000 raised during their annual Giving Week will help to train up to 10 new crisis workers at their call centre in Geelong.

From September 4 to 10, the local community participated in a series of local events to help Lifeline Geelong raise funds to enable more local 13 11 14 crisis supporters to be there for people in need.

The fundraising campaign included a Father’s Day Golf Classic, a Champagne and Shop Night, a local business Tracksuit Tuesday event, a Comedy Gala with local comedians, a Spring Soiree with Truffleduck and the Lifeline Out of the Shadows World Suicide Prevention Day Walk last Sunday.

Lifeline Geelong corporate and community partnerships manager, Michael Parker, said the organisation was rapt with the support they recieved.

“The week overall was just fantastic, and we got some really great awareness of Lifeline and some valuable funds to train more volunteers to assist those in crisis.

“We had a number of great events which were very well supported by local businesses and the community.

“The walk on Sunday was definitely one of the highlights. Some really good conversations were had, and it created a supportive environment for people to talk about suicide and suicide prevention in a safe space.

“A huge thanks to everyone for supporting it, it’ll certainly go a long way.”

Mr Parker said Giving Week had hopefully promoted the importance of supporting Lifeline at this particular time.

“It’s very important, we are often the first point of call for people to go to when they are in crisis.

“We get a call on average every 30 seconds, which means there are a lot of people to talk too.

“We obviously try to support them the best we can and then put them onto the correct services.

“This week in particular has been great to get the awareness of Lifeline out there even more, but to also hear the amazing feedback about the services we do provide.”

For more information about Lifeline’s annual Giving Week, or to donate, head to lifelinedirect.org.au/geelongswv/

If you need immediate help, phone Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, headspace on 1800 650 890 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.