Businesses unite to support Lifeline

CHIEF executives, business leaders and mental health advocates will next month don their running shoes for the inaugural 135 Corporate Dash in support of Lifeline Geelong.

To date, 27 business representatives from across Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast have signed up for their chance to sprint, jog or swagger 135-metres of the home straight at Geelong Racing Club.

Spanning a diverse array of industries, their participation both highlights the significance of community collaboration in addressing mental health and suicide prevention and the role business plays in these discussions.

Jarod Mason, director of Plan Group, said the organisation was excited to be involved in the dash.

“Often in our business lives we take for granted the importance of our mental health.

“Lifeline is there 24/7 for everything. The work they do in crisis support and suicide prevention is fundamental to the safety of our community.”

Each registered business leader, however, must raise a minimise of $1,500 ahead of the dash, slated for May 17, to make it to the track.

As anticipation builds for the 135 Corporate Dash – named to represent the estimated 135 people who are affected by each life tragically lost to suicide – Lifeline is encouraging the community to throw their support behind the event and donate to those who have registered to run.

Michael Parker, Lifeline Geelong’s corporate and community partnerships manager, said every donation will directly support the Lifeline team to provide crisis support and mental health services to the local community.

“Every donation made to 135 Corporate Dash will stay here in the Geelong community and support our local centre, helping Lifeline answer every call,” he said.

Each day, Lifeline receives approximately 56 calls from the Greater Geelong area alone.

For Maryanne Mullahy, regional partnerships manager at Spirit Super, participation in the fundraiser is personal.

“I have lost two dear friends to mental health battles; the work that Lifeline do is absolutely vital to people and the community.”

To donate, head to 135-corporate-dash.raiselysite.com/donate and select the business representative you would like to support.

If you, or someone you know, needs support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13 Yarn on 13 92 76.