A GROUP of Millicent residents is calling on the community to help them “beat the blues” and break the silence surrounding mental health.
This Sunday, the Give A Toss For Charities fundraising committee will host a family market day to raise funds for beyondblue and local mental health and activity centre, the South East Junction.
beyondblue is a nonprofit organisation working towards addressing issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental disorders.
Meanwhile, the South East Junction is a local centre which provides a range of services, experiences and opportunities to support community members experiencing mental health issues or recovering from mental illness.
Committee member Maureen Boyton said the group decided to support the two causes because they believed mental health was a huge issue within the community, whether people were affected directly or indirectly.
“A few girls on the committee are struggling on a personal capacity or have known someone who has battled mental health issues,” she said.
“We wanted to bring beyondblue out into the open and make everyone aware that it is real.
“Hosting events like this will bring the community together, keep the conversation flowing, raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.”
Held at the Domain playground and grassland area, the family market day will start at 9.30am and feature over 70 stalls, a range of games, activities, raffles and competitions.
There will also be mini hot rods, face painting, food and spices, entertainment, candles, dog treats, handmade clothing, plants, baked goods, snakes and reptiles, jewellery and gourmet food.
Turning the heat up at the event will be the 21 Chip Chilli Challenge, sponsored by The Chilli Factory Distributors and includes bragging rights and $250 worth of prizes for the winner.
Competitors in the food challenge will put their tongues to the test and the winners of the 10.30am and 11.30am heats will battle it out in the final at 1.30pm for the title of “hottest in town”.
Meanwhile, residents will be given an opportunity to show-off their beloved animals in a pet competition.
Starting at midday, the competition consists of five categories including best dressed male, best dressed female, best trick, the most unusual pet and the biggest pet.
Prizes will be offered in each category and have been donated by Collie Park and Happy Dog Bandanna.
Those interested in the chilli challenge and the pet competition must register on the day.
Another draw card to the event will be the Show and Shine, which will feature a number of cars, bikes, trucks and hot rods.
This is the second family market day organised by the Give A Toss For Charities committee.
The small group of seven were able to make a big difference to cancer research last year when they raised almost $6000.
They hope to raise $8000 this year for their elected mental health organisations and charities.
