I can’t believe it is almost 2024 , and my 18th year of participating in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth.
In that time as a rider and support crew member I have seen this event grow and the impact it has had throughout the state of Western Australia for our youth.
As a parent of one young adult and one teenager I am wary of the challenges they face today with ever increasing pressures and the impact of social media.
This is why I keep committing to the cause year after year, and set the alarm clock for 4:30 am three days a week, clocking up a minimum of 200 km's of riding, which I repeat for six months in order to ride from Albany to Perth.
As a rider I make the commitment to fund-raise a minimum of $5000 all of which goes directly towards Youth Focus. Youth Focus is a WA-based not-for-profit organisation that works with young people aged 12-25 to help them overcome issues associated with depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. They provide, free unlimited and professional face-to-face counselling and other mental health services.
With suicide being the biggest killer of young Australians, accounting for more deaths of young persons than car accidents, Youth Focus provides extremely important services to the WA community.
I make a personal contribution of $1,600 that covers my training, food and accommodation expenses, so all donations go directly to Youth Focus and not one dollar is wasted.
Thank you for your support and commitment towards building resilient, active and mentally-strong young people across the State of Western Australia.
