Fundraising for beyondblue
Over the past few months I have been honoured to be involved with 2 fundraisers for beyondblue. For those who aren't familiar with the work that beyondblue do, they are a charity who 'provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.'
3 million Australians are living with anxiety and depression. beyondblue is particularly close to my heart because I have multiple family members who are dealing with mental health issues. I myself have also had experiences with depression and anxiety, and I strongly believe that mental health needs to become an issue that is more freely discussed with friends and family so that people don't feel so 'abnormal' and 'isolated' when it happens to them. Unfortunately it's a fact of life that everyone will struggle with their mental health at some stage in their life. Having a support network such as beyondblue is vital in helping us all get through those tough times, whether it's relying on their 24/7 phone support or just using the endless information they provide.
Beyond The Stigma Gala Event
In August I was honoured to be a business sponsor of the 'Beyond The Stigma Gala'. Running a business definitely gives me an opportunity to support fundraisers in a much bigger way than I could personally. When Christina (event organiser) approached me about becoming a sponsor, it didn't take much consideration to decide I definitely wanted to be involved! I offered her a table sponsorship plus two photography vouchers she could sell in the silent auction.
My fiancee and I also attended the gala event which was held at the Veneto Club in Bulleen (Melbourne Eastern Suburbs). It was a really fun night with good food, great company and impressive entertainment. I even got the courage to stand up and do a speech in front of 200 people... not something I would normally do at all! I usually avoid public speaking and was very nervous, but in the end very proud of myself to get through my speech!
National Family Portrait Month
In July I participated in National Family Portrait Month. This fundraiser had photographers participating from all over Australia with the goal to raise $10,000 for beyondblue. There were 8 photographers, including myself, participating from Melbourne and Victoria. The fundraiser was all about photographing Mothers and their children for a book called "A Mother and her Children... An Unbreakable Bond".
I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing some really lovely Mothers and their children for this fundraiser! They were all so humble and supportive of the cause and their children were amazing... some of the best behaved children I've photographed!
I'm proud to confirm that nation-wide the photographers raised over $28,000 for beyondblue - an amazing result!