A group of local men are daring to bare all to raise funds for mental health awareness.
The Truck Factory Full Monty Limestone Coast event will be held later this month, with the sole purpose of supporting organisations in the region which focus on mental health.
The “Fully Monty” will be held in Mount Gambier on October 31 – at the end of National Mental Health month.
Local businessman Elliot Jones came up with the idea a year ago and following many conversations and some strong encouragement from Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council chairperson Maureen Klintberg the event came to fruition.
Mr Jones said together with a group of ready and eager local blokes and a committee of locals the event had been planned to bring the topic of mental health in the Limestone Coast community for ward for open discussion.
“The committee has initiated The Full Monty Limestone Coast to raise funds to support the provision of local mental health care as well as bringing awareness of what organisations we have locally that can offer support,” he said.
Mr Jones has managed, through sheer determination, to find a group of six ready and willing Limestone Coast blokes who will bare all for the cause, including himself.
Determined to make this event worthwhile, considering the embarrassment they will suffer, the Full Monty team members have been out and about in the region gathering sponsors.
“We are completely blown away by the generous response that they have received so in particular we acknowledge the outstanding contribution by the Truck Factory as the naming rights sponsor of the event,” Mr Jones said.
“We thank all of the businesses for supporting such a worthwhile cause and look forward to a fun night. I think after this year we could all do with a laugh.”
The fundraiser will be held at the Barn Palais and include a dinner and local guest speakers who will highlight their mental health experiences, issues and local services and entertainment.
Ms Klintberg said with the stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic had placed on people this year there had never been a more important time to discuss mental health.
“We hope this event will help reduce stigma and facilitate positive and non-judge- mental discussion surrounding the important topic of mental health,” she said.
“With one in five Australians experiencing a mental health illness it is time we give mental health due attention and that is exactly what our goal is during October.”
The event’s MC Dru Reschke said the proceeds from the event would support several local organisations, including Lifeboat, The South East Junction and the Mount Gambier and Districts Suicide Prevention Network.
“These organisations are all reliant on donated funds to continue to offer their services,” he said.
“Proceeds received by the advisor y council will be used to upgrade the outdoor courtyard within the Mount Gambier Hospital Integrated Mental Health unit to provide a patient friendly environment.”
Bookings are essential with numbers limited to 400.
Visit www.stickytickets.com.au/3VWNL to purchase tickets online.
