The countdown is on to a cheeky fundraiser being held in Mount Gambier this weekend.
The Full Monty Limestone Coast will be held at the Barn Palais on Saturday night – raising funds for mental health services in the region.
A group of six local men – Elliott Jones, Ben Hood, Adam Smith, Don Pratt, Adam Creek and Russell Collins – are making the last-minute preparations before getting their kit off in front of a sold-out crowd.
Organiser Mr Jones said the group had been overwhelmed by the community support, with thousands of dollars already donated.
“It’s taken us five weeks to get where we are and tickets sold out in 10 days,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone is going to expect that we’ve got the dance pitch perfect, I reckon we are all more nervous to get the left and right foot to go in the right place than getting our gear off.
“I think the way the Limestone Coast has been, with what everybody has been through this whole year, with the bushfires, I went on the hay run and three weeks later even in our own backyard people are fighting to survive.
“I think the Full Monty was long overdue – what it’s done in my eyes, people aren’t afraid to say they are struggling anymore. Whether you’ve been locked up with restrictions, have family in Victoria or a business that can’t open because it can’t fit 50 people in the restaurant.
“When you look at the six blokes who put their hands up with no questions asked five weeks ago … it was just meant to be.”
Mr Jones said the local community had rallied around the event, which was raising funds for a worthy cause.
“If we can put mental health to the forefront, they might have to do something with the funding down here,” he said.
“There are that many people struggling down here it’s unreal. If they keep burying it under the carpet it will get worse.”
The function, which will also feature several guest speakers, will raise funds for Lifeboat SE, The Junction, Mount Gambier and Districts Suicide Prevention Network and the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council.
The Truck Factory has come on board as the naming rights sponsor, with Koonara Wines, Robe Plumbing and Vivid Glass as major sponsors.
As a bonus for the event, the Full Monty Limestone Coast men have also decided to create a calendar – with expressions of interest being taken on the night – and also raising funds for local charity.
