Canberra Cavalry mascot Sarge will be braving the heat this Saturday as he aims to walk 10km to raise at least $10,000 for Lifeline Canberra.
Walking from Bentspoke in Braddon at 3pm to MIT Ballpark at Narrabundah ahead of the ABL game on Saturday 30 January, Sarge will be making the trek in his full mascot attire in a predicted 30-degree heat.
Sarge’s alter ego, Josh Williams, said the fundraiser is a valuable way to raise awareness about the importance of Lifeline.
“It’s not about raising money,” he said.
“We talk about the frontline workers, like doctors, but we don’t talk about the frontline of the crisis support people who answer the phones.”
In the 2019/2020 period, Lifeline Canberra inducted 79 new support workers. Mr Williams said all the money raised from Sarge’s Walk will go directly to Lifeline Canberra to assist them with training other volunteers and crisis support staff.
“$26 is the cost to answer a Lifeline phone call,” he said.
One Canberran is lost every week to suicide and in the 2019/2020 period, Lifeline Canberra answered more than 36,000 calls and provided nearly 16,000 hours of crisis support.
“We’ve all had to deal with mental problems or had a hard time in life. Last year was a very big reminder to make sure you look out for your mates,” Williams said.
Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson will be joining Sarge every step of the way on Saturday. Mr Williams said there will be nearly 30 people joining him on the walk, including Lifeline Ambassadors and players from the local leagues such as Canberra Raiders star player, Jack Wighton.
For those interested in participating, Williams encourages people to jump onto Sarges Facebook page or Lifeline Canberra’s website.
To donate to Sarge’s Walk, please click here.
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