Race day to assist mates to continue good work

RIGHT Mate are ready to giddy up for a second year of their annual race day fundraiser, hoping to eclipse the $12,000 raised last year that helped support men’s mental health within the Greater Geelong region.

The Friday, June 16, event at the Geelong Racing Club, will support the work of Right Mate, a community based not-for-profit focused on providing men opportunities to socially connect and build network in safe spaces.

Right Mate provide special workshops on topics of men’s health to community groups, sporting clubs and schools.

The funds from the inaugural race day went towards a number of initiatives over the past 12 months and Right Mate director Chris Lytas said the organisation was looking forward to the second edition of the event.

“Last year, the funds allowed us to start running men’s yoga and work with Geelong City Yoga to subsidise classes and memberships.

“We are proud to have made that affordable for local people and we want to keep providing opportunities like this to benefit men’s mental wellbeing.

“The funds in 2022 just blew our mind and if we can achieve that again, then that is absolutely fantastic.

“We are also hopefully expecting to sell-out like we did last year.”

Mr Lytas said that he hopes the race day can help develop some knowledge of mental health and wellbeing within a space that is challenging for some men.

“A place like the racecourse can be a trigger for some blokes.

“We could play it safe and do events at school halls and community centres, but we want to show that you can attend the races and just have a mellow and fun day out.

“We certainly don’t shy away from places like the racecourse or the pub to run events, because realistically, that’s where many men do connect and are comfortable.”

Following feedback from last year, individual and table packages both inclusive and exclusive of drinks, will be available for purchase.

An additional package will also be available if those wish to sponsor one of the races on the day.

For more, head to geelong.tickets.countryracing.com.au/Catalog/AssetEvent?eventId=8421e514-45e4-46bc-9a8d-05eccaba1ae1