Early morning starts are not a usual routine for chefs at the Ballina RSL Club. March was an exception when Chef Halie Welsh rallied some staff and friends together to take part in Ian Thorpe’s Laps For Life charity. A team of ten hit the Ballina Pool at 7am every day during March to raise funds For ReachOut’s Laps For Life challenge.
ReachOut supports young people suffering from mental health difficulties. The organisation provides practical support, tools and tips to help young people get through anything, from everyday issues to truly tough times – and the information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers too. Last year alone, ReachOut was there for more than 3.6 million people.
‘Sadly one in four young people in Australia are currently experiencing a mental health difficulty,’ said Halie Walsh. ‘But there’s an even bigger problem: 70 per cent of those who need help don’t get it,’ Halie added. Suicide remains the leading cause of death of young people in Australia.
Every member of Halie’s Seahorses swim team exceeded their personal lap goals. Between the ten of them they swam a massive 127km and raised almost $6000. Halie and the team would like to thank everyone who made donations towards their Laps for Life challenge.
