MORE than $40,000 was raised – with the figure still climbing – when 45 walkers ranging in ages from 16 to 65 walked from Moree to Pallamallawa on Saturday as part of the One Foot Forward initiative.
Walkers covered 1290 collective kilometres, raising $40,554.60 along the way for the Black Dog Institute.
Event organiser Luke Woods said donations were still being accepted at until the end of October.
“It’s been a huge effort and many thanks to the Pally Pub, which kindly donated 50 per cent of bar takings to the Black Dog Institute and also donated merchandise packs and prizes for raffles,” Luke said.
Local businesses supporting the Moree to Pally event – just completing its third year – include Jock’s Hire, O’Dempsey’s Charters and Tours, Reado’s Meats, Coles Supermarket, Mobas Batteries and T&FS Woods.
“Jock’s hire supplied a port-a-loo that was transported around by Johnson Concrete and Quarries and O’Dempsey’s provided a bus back to town for the walkers,” Luke said.
“Reado’s supplied meat vouchers for the raffles and Coles donated water and fruit which was distributed along the way by Mobas Batteries.
“Woods provided water and snacks and covered the bar tab for walkers to be rehydrated when they arrived at the pub,” he said.
One Foot Forward – the walk for mental health – supports the one-in-five Australians who experience a mental illness each year.
With October being Mental Health Month, One Foot Forward brings together thousands of people across the country in a positive step forward for mental health – and the group of Moree and district participants helped by adding more than $40,000 to the national tally.
The group walked nearly 30 kilometres from Weebolla rugby grounds to Pallamallawa to support those suffering from mental health issues and remember those who lost their lives to suicide.
The Moree to Pally walk was first held in 2022 when 10 walkers raised $10,000. Last year, 30 walkers raised $22,500. This year, 45 walkers raised more than $40,000 and already plans are afoot – pardon the pun – to do it all again next year.
“We would like to thank all the motorists who passed the walkers on the day for their patience and consideration for everyone’s safety, and we look forward to doing it again in 2025,” Luke said.
The One Foot Forward campaign encourages people to get out and go for a walk, talk about mental health issues and raise money for the Black Dog Institute, a charity focused on helping those suffering from mental illnesses.
Donations are still being accepted until October 31 at https://www.onefootforward.org.au/join/OFFtoPally30.
