Footy for Life event tackles mental health in the community
Western Australians impacted by mental health and suicide stood together in a show of solidarity at last Saturday’s Footy for Life game day in Perth.
MatchWorks was a proud sponsor of the charity event which raised important funds for Lifeline WA and Happiness Co. Around 3500 people had the thrill of watching some of their favourite retired AFL stars back on the field at the Bennco Ex-AFL All Stars and Club of Origin game day. Led by team captain and 3 time Indigenous All Star, Des Headland, the Spartans cruised to victory in the second half, winning by 31 points.
Bringing inclusivity to the field
Footy for Life Event Director, Maurice (Mo) Sauzier said everyone had a ball at the Game Day – from the supporters and sponsors, to all the volunteers including the players.
“It was a super Saturday without a doubt; a moment in time of pure inclusivity and bringing community together,” Mo said.
“We had kids on the field taking out water to the players, and women and men on an equal playing field playing during the match.
“We also invited anyone who had lost someone to suicide to walk through the smoke during the Smoking Ceremony. It didn’t matter who they were, or where they came from, people from all parts of the community queued up. It was incredibly powerful and so symbolic after such a fractured and fragmented time with the pandemic.”
A supportive community comes together
MatchWorks General Manager, Employer Engagement, Nikki Noack said bringing people together for the Game Day gave the community a sense of hope and promoted social inclusion for people impacted by mental health conditions.
“Mental health is important for every aspect of our life and one of the collective goals of all involved was to highlight that we’re not alone. Help is both available and accessible if we need it,” Nikki said.
“Many of our clients are impacted by depression, anxiety and other conditions so we were incredibly proud to support a cause which builds stronger communities and helps people lead happier, healthier lives.”
Stay tuned for the Game Day highlights video to be released next week.
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