Geelong ready to don trackies for a cause

THE Geelong community will be opting for a casual and laidback uniform next week to get behind Lifeline Geelong’s Tracksuit Tuesday fundraiser.

The September 5 event encourages businesses to boost morale and support mental health by dressing in their best ’80s parachute trackies, or cotton casual bottoms and raise funds for Lifeline Geelong South West Victoria.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan is locked in to embrace his “trackies” on the day and said it was a cause worth getting behind.

“There is a lot of incentive to ditch the corporate clothes and dress down for the day.

“You can have a laugh with your colleagues and dig deep to help a great organisation that supports vulnerable members of our community.”

Les Watson from Commerce Torquay will also be going casual and was full of praise for Lifeline’s work.

“Tracksuit Tuesday is a wonderful way to encourage conversations on mental health in the workplace.

“It is something that involves everyone and such a fun way to support the important work of Lifeline.”

Geelong and West Melbourne BNI executive director, Helen Searle also welcomed the Tracksuit Tuesday fundraising event.

“This is a great initiative by Lifeline and highlights the importance of mental health and wellbeing for business owners and their employees.

“More than ever businesses need to be a part of the conversation around mental health and support the organisations that support our community.”

Lifeline Geelong Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager, Michael Parker said any business no matter their size could help those in crisis.

“It is a great way to boost workplace wellbeing and morale while supporting an important cause.

Many people don’t realise local Lifeline centres rely on community donations and fundraising to maintain services.

“With calls up more than 20 per cent as people continue to navigate mental health challenges and increasing cost of living pressures Lifeline’s free accessible crisis support, counselling, and education programs in our communities are need more than ever.

Tracksuit Tuesday is part of Lifeline’s Giving Week which runs from September 4 to 10.

For registering, workplaces will receive a fundraising pack and be in the running to win a fully catered courtside box for eight people at a Geelong United Basketball home game in 2024.

For more, head to geelonggivingweek.raisely.com/