By Matthew Sims
Hundreds of Pakenham, Berwick and greater South East locals who have lost a loved one to suicide or mental health struggles found solace and hope in each other as part of Have Hope Inc’s Stomp the Path event, with a number of people walking as part of the nine-hour relay event to honour the nine people die by suicide in Australia each day.
Organised by the Pakenham-based not-for-profit organisation, the event has so far raised more than $16,500 across some 225 ’stompers’ and 236 donators.
Pakenham-based hairdresser Bobo Davis founded the organisation after her family’s world was flipped upside down when they lost their eldest son Aaron to suicide in 2017, following a seven-year addiction to the drug ice.
The not-for-profit supports grief stricken families, domestic violence victims and cancer patients with crisis support, as well as providing assistance to people with thoughts of suicide, those suffering from the effects of suicide, from domestic abuse, trauma, and illness in the community.
Event co-organiser Cara Leishman said the event was a success, with plenty of support received from far and wide across the community.
“Participants formed teams, many dressed in creative costumes, and walked continuous laps around the track throughout the day,“ she said.
“In addition to the relay, teams sold items to boost fundraising efforts.
“The day featured various activities, including games, an open mic session, food trucks, face painter and prizes for categories such as best dressed, most laps completed, most money raised, and largest team.“
Ms Leishman said the event aimed to highlight the profound impact suicide and mental health challenges have on millions of people every year.
The event’s mission is centred around education and awareness, with the goal of preventing these issues and supporting those affected,“ she said.
“By creating and sharing accessible resources, Have Hope aims to raise awareness by educating the community on the signs of mental health struggles and emphasising the importance of seeking help, provide support by offering guidance and resources for individuals experiencing mental health crises, and foster understanding by encouraging open conversations to reduce stigma and promote supportive environments.
“Events like Stomp the Path play a crucial role in promoting mental health awareness and ensuring that support is available for those in need.“
Ms Leishman said the Have Hope volunteering team were grateful for the support from a number of individuals and groups from across the community, including Cardinia Council incumbent mayor Jack Kowarzik for launching the event, Cardinia Creative Community for running the open mic, the McCauley family for donating hay bales, Akoonah Park for providing the venue, all food vendors and the face painter, Budget Trucks and Red Unlimited for first aid.
To continue to support the event, visit www.stompthepath.org
If you or a loved one are experiencing issues with mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or seek support through Beyond Blue at beyondblue.org.au/get-support
