Right Mate’s major fundraiser to return for fourth year

GEELONG- based not-for-profit organisation Right Mate will host its fourth annual Race Day next week.

The June 20 event is the group’s major fundraiser for the year, raising money to keep them sustained for the next 12 months.

Right Mate does not have any constant streams of funding and relies heavily on the race day to allow them to continue offering events and programs and subsidise any related costs.

The local group is passionate about changing the narrative around men’s mental health and encourages the conversation surrounding the issue.

Right Mate co-founder and director Chris Lytas said this year would have a big focus on social connection and welcome former Geelong Cats player Max Rooke as the keynote speaker.

“He’ll talk to us about his journey from AFL into what he’s doing now, which is quite heavily in the world of space, specifically around breathwork and what that’s done for him,” Mr Lytas said.

A live auction and raffle will also take place on the day, along with providing people the opportunity to celebrate men’s health and connect with each other.

Mr Lytas said outside of the fundraising aspect, the event is about getting a temperature check of what people are feeling, what’s important to them and how Right Mate can engage with others.

“The underlying message for us is just how important social connection and conversation is.

“We know how much it benefits both your physical and mental health if you’ve got people to talk to and connect with.

“Just being in a room where that is the focus of the day, I think just reaffirms that and perhaps reminds people that they’re not on their own.”

The race day will be held from 12 noon until 5pm at the Geelong Racing Club.

Tickets are $100 each and include a two-course sit-down meal.

For tickets and more information, head to rightmate.org.au/events/