The Hawaiian Ride for Youth has had another successful year of fundraising with 33 teams entering the four and half day journey from Albany or Jurien Bay to Perth. This year, the event raised $2,172,687 surpassing the donation goal of $1,800,000.
The iconic charity event is held annually in March and raises funds and awareness for Youth Focus – which focuses on youth suicide and depression.
Youth Focus CEO Arthur Papakotsias said that one in four people are currently dealing with mental health challenges. In 2018 alone, 54 Western Australians aged between 15 and 24 died by suicide.
“This is why events like the Hawaiian Ride for Youth are so important. Our statistics tell us that tragically, more than one young person dies to suicide each week - suicide is a preventable cause of death, so these figures are critically high and moreover, they’re simply unacceptable”, Mr Papakotsias said.
Participants travelled over 3,000kms while cycling through towns in WA’s South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and the Mid West. As part of the event, teams visited several schools along the way, talking to students about mental health and sharing their own experiences and stories.
Hawaiian CEO Russell Gibbs congratulates all the cyclists, volunteers, support crews, donors and event participants for their great effort in this year’s event.
“The commitment shown by West Australians towards the event continues to grow each year, and Hawaiian is proud to be supporting Youth Focus and the work they do in giving back to the community in such a big way,” he said.
“We have been involved in Ride for Youth since 2003, which has raised over $21 million in the past 17 years. We encourage all West Australians to consider making a monetary donation or registering your interest in next year’s event.”
Register your interest for the 2020 Hawaiian Ride for Youth via www.rideforyouth.com.au, or make a monetary donation via https://www.rideforyouth.com.au/donate/.