Australians are being urged to catch a wave and surf to raise money for mental health this April with the Ripple Effect Foundation’s Wave Challenge.
Nearly one in four Australians suffer from mental health issues, yet only one percent of Federal funding is directed towards prevention, according to the Ripple Effect Foundation co-managing director Adam McMurray.
The challenge asks people to ride a surfboard, a boogie board, or even just body surf for a minimum of 22 hours during April to help raise $2.2 million in funds for mental health awareness, advocacy and education.
Funds raised will go to programs and initiatives that focus on enhancing mental wellbeing.
The foundation’s co-managing director Casey Macpherson said they were on a mission to change the culture around wellbeing in Australia.
“We hope to achieve this through a combination of mental health promotion activities that increase mental health literacy, increasing awareness of things we can do as individuals to protect our wellbeing, reducing stigma around mental health and advocating for systemic change.
“We’re hoping to see all age groups and even bodysurfers sign up for the sake of our collective mental health.”
Surfing Queensland CEO Mark Flanagan said he was looking forward to supporting the Wave Challenge because it was a cause that affected many members and participants.
“To go surfing to help raise awareness and funds for mental health and wellbeing is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the positive impact surfing can bring,” Mr Flanagan said.
“It’s a topic impacting so many Australians and we’re happy to paddle out during April in support.”
In addition to raising money for a great cause, participants will go in the running to win a range of prizes donated by generous sponsors.
To sign up, visit www.rewc.com.au
