A TEAM of participants who took part in Queenscliff Football Netball Club\u2019s Laps for Life have raised almost $12,000 and swum more than 220 kilometres.<\/p>\n
Twenty-eight individuals from the club, along with members from surrounding communities, took part in the fundraising challenge, where participants swim to help young people experiencing mental health issues.<\/p>\n
The challenge ran from March 1 to 31, and money raised will go to ReachOut, Australia\u2019s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing part of this challenge has been incredibly important to us all,\u201d Lisa Peart from QFNC said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile promoting and raising funds for ReachOut, such an important organisation, it has also provided the opportunity for much-needed open conversation around mental health, created awareness and has hopefully assisted in removing the stigma that unfortunately is still connected with this illness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope once March is done, the conversations and support continue, so that no young person is suffering silently and they are able to get the help they need to live happy healthy lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Peart said given the broad age group participating, it had been fantastic to see the dedication and continued commitment to this important cause by all involved and the support of the wider community.<\/p>\n
\u201cDonations are still coming in, which is testament to the incredible community we are part of,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmashing our fundraising goal of $5,000, the donation tally is currently sitting at $11,973.\u201d<\/p>\n