Lifeline call to give during Giving Week

Lifeline Geelong will launch its September Giving Week with its Father's Day Golf Classic on September 1. Lifeline Geelong ambassador Mark Kuch with Lifeline Geelong Corporate and Community Partnerships Coordinator Raechel Gleeson. Photos: NATHAN RIVALLAND

GEELONG locals are being encouraged to dig deep into their pockets and give to Lifeline Geelong during its upcoming September Giving Week.

From September 4 to 10, Lifeline Geelong aims to raise funds to help more local 13 11 14 crisis supporters be there for people in need.

Lifeline Geelong currently receives approximately 6,071 crisis calls per year, and provides accessible crisis support, counselling, education, community capacity building and referral services to the local community.

During the weeklong fundraising drive, Lifeline Geelong will host a series of events for local organisations, businesses and community members to get involved in.

Lifeline will hold its Father’s Day Golf Classic on September 1 at The Sands to launch the campaign, while the giving week itself will include a Champagne and Shop night, Tracksuit Tuesday, Comedy Gala with local comedians, and a special afternoon of music and laughter at the inaugural Spring Soiree with Truffleduck.

The community is then invited to come together on Sunday, September 10 in Torquay to walk to create hope, awareness and remember those lost to suicide on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Lifeline Geelong general manager Jason Doherty said Giving Week would urgently help to meet crisis supporter work in the community.

“Calls are up more than 20 per cent as people continue to navigate mental health challenges and increasing cost of living pressures.

“Many people don’t realise local Lifeline centres rely on community donations and fundraising to keep services running. It costs $3,500 to train and support each crisis supporter. Each call to Lifeline costs around $39.

“With 100 more crisis supporters we could answer 25,000 more calls a year from people who we don’t want to feel alone when they’re going through dark moments.

“We don’t want people to suffer in silence. Our crisis supporters are here to listen without judgement and to offer hope.”

To learn more about the Giving Week events or to give visit lifelinegeelong.org.au