Walk away your worries

FLUEROS were huge in the 80's and made a recent comeback for 26 local prominent business people who participated in this years Walk Away Your Worries.

The day was a chance for walkers to raise money through sponsorship of the 20 kilometre walk for Griffith Suicide Awareness and to raise the profile of suicide awareness and mental illness.

The strong winds didn't deter the walkers who were happy to be involved. This year the bucket brigade targeted motorists and pedestrians to donate for a worthy cause.

Last year Walk Away Your Worries raised $20,000. Organiser of the event Val Rowe is hoping for a similiar figure for this years walk which will go a long way to helping Griffith Suicide Awareness Group implement projects throughout the year.

The GO Magazine, October 2007.

Residents help to Walk Away Worries

ARMED with small white buckets, green T-Shirts and a real sense of purpose, 26 locals took to the streets of Griffith on Sunday, raising more than just money.

The group was part of the annual Walk Away Your Worries project which raises funds and awareness for the Griffith Suicide Awareness group.

Despite the blustery conditions, organiser Val Rowe said she was glad the event had managed to achieve its goal.

"This walk has created alot of awareness. I can see that more people are aware of the need to lift the profile of suicide and depression than they were three years ago when we first held the walk. And it is encouraging to see so many businesses support us."

West End Estate's Bill Calabria was part of the trio who crossed the line in first place. Mr Calabria said he was happy to have been part of such a worthwhile event. "I think when you are in good health and can contribute it's important to try," he said.

Just over $1600 has been raised so far from money donated to the bucket brigade and by the walkers on Sunday.

The final amount collected from sponsors will be announced next month, with organisers expecting to again top the $20,000 mark.

The Area News, 21 September 2007.

Walk to aid Suicide Awareness

Over twenty six prominent members of the business community will pound the pavements on Sunday 16th September for Griffith Suicide Awareness' Walk Away Your Worries from 9am at the Griffith Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Last year, Walk Away Your Worries raised over $20,000 through sponsorship and the bucket brigade which will be out again in force this year. The money raised allowed Griffith Suicide Awareness to carry out projects in the local area during the next 12 months.
This year the Bucket Brigade will be highly visible and dressed in fluorescent clothing. The brigade will be stopping motorists and pedestrians to ask for donations and the walkers will also have buckets as well.
Organiser Val Rowe said the Walk is a positive way to get the message of depression and mental illness across.
"It's an awareness program as well as a fundraiser and there are 26 more people in Griffith who are aware of the signs of depression which has alereted them of issues of their own staff / family and friends. It's a networking opportunity and a big commitment as well as a learning process," said Val.
Val said the 20km walk has utilised nearly every hill in Griffith to make it challenging for the walkers.

Riverina Real Estate, 14 September 2007.

Watch out for the walkers taking a step to help others

CLOSE to 30 bighearted locals are preparing to grab buckets and pull on their running shoes for a worthy cause this weekend in Griffith. Among those participating in the Walk Away Your Worries charity walk are Bendigo Bank business manager Craig Tilston.
When he and the other walkers set off for the 20km walk inside the Griffith town zone on Sunday, September 16, he will be propelled along knowing he has the support of the Griffith Swans netballers, who presented him with a $200 cheque to kick-start his fundraising.
Organiser and Suicide Awareness president Val Rowe said she was delighted to see the level of involvement from local business and hopes people will support the day. "Everyone has had an absolute wow of a time preparing for this event," she said. "One of the best things about it has been the awareness it has managed to raise within the group. Most were unaware of how many people are affected by depression and mental illness. So in that regard it has been valuable."
The team of 26 walkers include solicitors and police officers, counsellors and electricians. They will carry buckets asking residents to toss in a coin for the cause. Ms Rowe said unfortunately this year she expects there to be greater need than ever for the funds raised during the walk.
"With no rain, I'm fairly sure no-one will have money to spend at Christmas, so the demand for the Christmas hampers should be even greater," she said. "The more money the walkers raise, the more we can help those who need it most. The money will be used for Our Youth Our Future Tree and a new program called Fresh Start for people trying to get their lives back on track after depression."
The walkers will be easy to spot, as participants will all be wearing fluoro green shirts and will be supported by a bucket brigade of others dressed in yellow.

The Area News, 10 September 2007.

Pair to walk for suicide awareness

LEETON will be represented at the upcoming Suicide Awareness fundraising walk in Griffith for the Our Youth Our Future program.
Claire Wilson and Claudia Walker will take part in the 20km walk around Griffith on September 16 with the support of Raine & Horne Leeton and the Leeton Bowling Club.
However the pair will also be approaching businesses over the next week to help raise funds for the cause, which will stay in Leeton. "The money that we raise stays in Leeton," Miss Wilson said. "It helps over the festive season, buying Christmas presents for people in need, people affected by drought, families who have lost jobs."
Miss Wilson said the pair only has two weeks to fundraise, but only recently found out about the walk themselves. "We understand people are going through the drought , but we would like businesses to dig deep," she said. "This will help kids in our community," Miss Walker said. "We will fundraise together and also on our own. The mark to beat is $2500 and our aim is $3000."
Suicide Awareness president Val Rowe said 2007 is the third year of the fundraising walk. "They carry a bucket to collect donations," she said. "We start at the aquatic centre, out to Collina, to North Griffith, to the Kidman Way then back to the main street. We are really excited to have Leeton involved, last year the kids from Leeton High raised $5000 for us."
Mrs Rowe emphasised the money that is raised in Leeton by the two girls stays in Leeton. "It goes to Our Youth Our Future," she said. "It buys all the food and a present for Christmas. Last year it helped 28 kids in Leeton and one farming family. I want Leeton to know the money raised in Leeton stays in Leeton. People forget that. Every town has soembody that needs help."

The Leeton Irrigator, 4 September 2007.