A recent fundraising event brought together 80 dancers for the Lifeline Gippsland depression and suicide awareness.
Inspired by Linda Pink from the LV Country Line Dancers, the Yarragon Rebels Bootscooters and Ringwood Ramblin' Rose joined forces to raise much needed funds for Lifeline Gippsland. Since 2018 the three groups have danced, socialised, and raised funds through various member led initiatives resulting in $142,505, inclusive of this year's total of $20,000.
Linda said many of the members had direct and indirect impacts of suicide.
"The benefit to our own sense of belonging, friendships, and general comradery and support our members provide one another improves our own mental health. We watch out for one another, we check in, we share our stories. Helping Lifeline Gippsland, as our charity of choice, is giving to an organisation that is an extension of our family," she said.
Lifeline Gippsland chief executive officer Cindy Pullar said "all the members are so inclusive and welcoming, they are a humble and energetic group, whose donations over the years has helped us answer 3653 calls from individuals, ensuring they were not alone during their darkest hours."
"The group not only raises money for our organisation, but they also take the opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and suicide, reducing the stigma of help seeking, and supporting people to reach out," she said.
Lifeline Gippsland employs 18 staff and engages 160 volunteers, operating across the region supporting the 13 11 14 crisis line as well as delivery of suicide prevention programs.
Cindy said only a small percentage of funding was from the State Government. "The support and commitment from community groups such as the line dancing clubs, allows us to continue our work in regional Victoria," she said.
Right: Linda Pink (LV Country Line Dancers), Sue Luke (Yarragon Rebel Bootscooters) and Elaine Kong (Ringwood Ramblin' Rose) all lead and engage their local community of dancers inspiring them to give back by helping Lifeline Gippsland save lives.