The ACT Meteors will shine a spotlight on mental health and suicide prevention during the remainder of their Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) campaign, dedicating their remaining seven games to raising funds and awareness for Lifeline Canberra.
The Meteors launched their inaugural ‘Lifeline Round’ during the 2020/21 season, raising over $10,000, and wanted to extend the campaign this year during what is a challenging time for all Canberrans, and following the recent cancellation of Lifeline Canberra’s 50th Anniversary Bookfair.
Lifeline Canberra exists to support people in crisis and save the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide. For 50 years, their highly skilled volunteers have provided 24/7 support via their local 13 11 14 crisis support service.
Meteor’s captain and Lifeline Canberra Ambassador, Ange Reakes, said it was important for Cricket ACT and the Meteors to support such an important organisation.
“Lifeline is such an important organisation within our community. Each week we lose another Canberran to suicide, and every day, the Lifeline telephone crisis supporters prevent the loss of many more,” said Reakes.
“Unfortunately, their 50th Anniversary Bookfair was recently forced to be cancelled this year, and this has had a large impact on their fundraising efforts.
“One of our values at Cricket ACT and within the Meteors program is community, so I hope we can contribute by raising some much-need funds & raise awareness around mental health.”
Despite the cancellation of the Bookfair due to the campers at EPIC, Canberrans, the ACT Government and even the protesters generously donated more than $700,000 to the cause.
To kick off the campaign, all Meteors players and support staff have made individual pledges and are calling on the Canberra community to make their own pledge or support the cause with a one-off donation.
The campaign will end on Sunday 20th March coinciding with the Meteors last regular season match against Western Australia at EPC Solar Park.
Donations can be made via the Meteors gofundraise page, with all donations going directly to Lifeline Canberra.
Lifeline encourages anyone who is struggling or who is caring for someone who is in emotional distress, to please reach out for support and remember that Lifeline is available 24 hours a day for a confidential chat, just call 13 11 14; or chat to a crisis support person online at lifeline.org.au.
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