This morning a group of Burdekin locals will undertake a courageous fundraising walk from Ayr to Townsville within 30 hours to support CORES Queensland, a non-profit community organisation committed to suicide prevention and mental health education.
It is estimated that more than two in five Australians aged 16-85 years (43.7% or 8.6 million people) had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life. A frightening number considering mental health is a key component to overall health and well-being.
Janai Giddy is a Burdekin woman on a mission, to increase the awareness of mental health education and has taken it upon herself to walk over 80km in 30 hours. Behind her is a team of avid supporters, including CORES Queensland, a non-profit, non-government community organisation dedicated to educating members of local communities on how to intervene when encountering individuals who may be at risk of suicide or self-harm. Janai has participated in the free one-day suicide intervention course offered by CORES Queensland. The course not only equips participants with the skills to help those in distress but also provides a deeper understanding of mental health, making it a valuable resource for personal growth and self-awareness.
Janai Giddy is passionate about all areas of health but especially around self care.
“I am passionate about all areas of health, especially self-care and mental well-being,” says organiser Janai Giddy. “Having witnessed the incredible work of CORES Queensland and their importance in our community, I was inspired to find a way to raise funds to support their vital mission and further expand their impact.”
The 30-hour walk will see Janai traverse the distance between Ayr and Townsville, with individuals joining her along the way. Every dollar raised during this fundraiser will be directed towards CORES Queensland to support its ongoing initiatives and future growth.
“My ultimate goal for this walk is to create more conversations around mental health, to encourage people to seek help when they need it, and to raise awareness around the invaluable resources available locally,” adds Janai “Together, we can make a difference in our community and beyond.” The event wouldn’t be possible without the generous contribution of Clinton and Kate Southern from NSEW Traffic Solutions who have offered to supply a specialised traffic control vehicle and provide a dedicated driver to ensure the safety of all participants on the road. We have other local businesses who have kindly offered support for this event, Burdekin Shire Council, Solutions at ELA, Scuderi Signs, Woolworths and Burdekin Printers.
Janai warmly invites the media, individuals and organisations to take part in this significant endeavour. Whether it’s walking alongside the team, or making a donation, every contribution is greatly appreciated.
Donations can also be made directly to CORES Queensland via https://gofund.me/70fd30fc
Let’s join to support mental health, spread awareness, and create a more compassionate community!
For those interested in supporting the walk, please contact Janai Giddy.
CONTACT: Janai Giddy Ph. 0408 874 934