Westminster School will become the first South Australian school to participate in Gotcha4Life’s annual fundraising event, the 24-hour row, a campaign that shines a light on mental health. The event will be held this weekend at the school’s new sporting complex, the Thomas Pavilion.
Their Marion campus will be abuzz right across the weekend event, with the local community, students, families and teaching staff throwing their support behind the initiative. Those getting involved will be donating their time and energy to complete half hour stints of the 24-hour non-stop row, with up to four rowers taking part at any one time, utilising the school’s rowing machines.
The 24-hour row for mental health directly benefits not-for-profit organisation, Gotcha4Life. Launched in 2018, the initiative started across surf life-saving clubs in an effort to fund the organisation’s education workshops and training programs, which build mental fitness in local communities.
Organiser of Westminster’s event, Angela Phillips says, “Members of our community have been impacted by the effects of mental health, whether directly or indirectly. We want to show our support as a community and emphasise how important it is to seek help when you need it.”
Gotcha4Life is Australia’s mental fitness charity, working to end suicide by delivering programs that create meaningful friendships, whilst building emotional muscle, and strengthening social connection within communities. In 2021, Gotcha4Life will aim to raise $150,000 Australia-wide after raising $130,000 in 2020.
Westminster School’s vice-captain, Kimberley Li says the 24-row is even more important now than ever before. “Especially during these challenging times, the more we can talk about and raise awareness for mental health, the better. I am really pleased Westminster is supporting a cause like this and excited to get on a rower and do my part,” she says.
Westminster School has long been a leading coeducational school for day and boarding students, offering education from Early Learning to Year 12. Their involvement in this initiative further cements their ethos of being kind, inclusive, courageous, mindful and curious within the school community.
It is an open invitation for all to come along and support the marathon effort of the rowers and bring further awareness to this highly important issue. On Saturday, there will be a BBQ and soft drinks to enjoy during the day.
So far this year, over $35,000 has been raised through the 24-hour row nation-wide. Donations to Westminster’s event can be made either at the school this weekend or directly via the Westminster fundraising page.
What? The 24-hour row
Where? Westminster School, Thomas Pavilion – 1/23 Alison Avenue, Marion SA (parking available on campus via Gate 4 off Alison Ave)
When? 11.30am Saturday 30th to 11.30am Sunday 31st October, 2021
To find out more about Gotcha4Life’s 24-row fundraising event, head to their website.
For more on the education and facilities at Westminster School, click here.
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