Pictures: BROOKE LITTLEWOOD
THE Wattle Range community united on Sunday in a bid to reduce the stigma and shine light on the darkness of mental health.
Around 800 people flocked to the Domain Parklands in support of the Give a Toss for Charities’ annual family market day, which this year raised funds for beyondblue and the South East Junction in Millicent.
beyondblue is a not-for-profit organisation which addresses 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 give support to community members experiencing mental health issues or recovering from mental illness.
Give a Toss for Charities committee member Maureen Boyton said the event was even bigger than last year’s, adding she was “very proud of the whole achievement”.
“Each year we raise money for a different charity,” she said.
“This year was an easy decision to raise money for beyondblue and to help the South East Junction mental health centre in Millicent who are in need of some much needed funds.
“We wanted to bring awareness to mental illness.
“What we have found on our way is there are so many people with related illnesses and many who have been so sadly affected, it just seems so unfair.
“Unfortunately the symptoms are hidden and in most cases people are too embarrassed to mention or talk about it.
“We hope by opening the door a fraction we can at least hope we have helped someone.”
Ms Boyton said due to the overall response the committee received from Sunday’s attendees, next year’s market day would again raise funds for beyondblue.
“We have already started looking at next year’s event,” she said.
“The market day was fantastic and we reached our goal to host a much bigger event than last year.
“All the sites were filled and we had a really good response from people, they loved it and said it was fantastic for Millicent and hoped it would return.
“In 2020 we will raise funds again for beyondblue because many people we spoke to asked us to.
“What was so great about the event was that people wanted to open up and talk about their battle with mental health and they were not too shy.
“That’s what it is about, raising awareness and giving people the courage to reach out.”
The market day featured 70 stalls, a range of games, activities, raffles and competitions for people of all ages.
A highlight of the day was the Chilli Factory Distributor’s 21 chilli chip challenge, which turned up the heat and attracted six brave contestants.
Competitors put their taste buds to the test and battled it out for the title of “hottest in town”.
In a rare occurrence, four people – Doug Wright, Dan Elefsen, Luke Farrell and Kayleen Humphries – were crowned challenge winners, sharing in a prize pool of $200 as well as bragging rights.
Another highlight was witnessing Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll attempt the gumboot challenge.
Mr Noll’s skills did not over shadow that of several young children, however when speaking with The South Eastern Times he said the wind held back his full potential.
The event committee of seven is planning next year’s fundraising event which will include a number of new additions.
