Record number of riders take on challenge
Deputy Premier and Mental Health Minister Roger Cook and former AFL champion Beau Waters will be among a record number of cyclists who will saddle up for the 2018 Hawaiian Ride for Youth, raising vital funds to help Youth Focus turn the tide on youth suicide.
A staggering 188 cyclists have registered to ride 3000km across regional Western Australia from March 20 to 24 2018 in a bid to raise critical awareness about youth mental health issues and raise vital funds for Youth Focus to support youth at risk of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide.
Now in its 16th year, the Ride will see 34 teams traverse four routes: the Coastal, Inland and Wheatbelt routes from Albany to Perth and the Mid-West route from Geraldton to Perth.
Since 2003, the Hawaiian Ride for Youth has raised more than $17.5 million, including a record-breaking $2.5 million in 2017 to support Youth Focus in providing free mental health services to thousands of young people each year.
Hawaiian Ride for Youth Chair and seven-time rider Phil Renshaw said the inimitable charity event worked to highlight important social issues among young people.
“The Hawaiian Ride for Youth has earnt its place as one of Australia’s premier charity events. It raises vital awareness and funds for Youth Focus and its important work to support young people and help arrest the terrible toll of youth suicide,” Mr Renshaw said.
“Each participant in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth shares a common passion – to improve the lives of young Western Australians.”
Along the journey, riders will stop at 23 regional high schools and engage with more than 3,500 students to communicate the importance of good mental health and emotional wellbeing.
“For many riders, the school visits are the most rewarding part of the event, giving them the opportunity to spread awareness of the services that Youth Focus provides and share their own personal stories,” Mr Renshaw said.
Youth Focus Chief Executive Officer Fiona Kalaf said that 54 young Western Australians aged between 15 and 24 died by suicide last year.
“Statistics show more than one young person dies to suicide each week, leaving their families dealing with the abject grief, guilt and pain of losing a loved one unnecessarily to suicide. The ripple effect in our community is profound,” Ms Kalaf said.
“This is why events like the Hawaiian Ride for Youth are so important. Not only does the Ride raise important awareness in regional communities, but the funds raised ensure Youth Focus can continue to support young people throughout the State.”
Each peloton will cover 700km to Perth, stopping at regional towns including Katanning, Narrogin, Walpole, Pemberton, Busselton, Frankland River, Bridgetown, Gnowangerup, Manjimup, Collie and Mandurah on the Coastal, Inland and Wheatbelt routes, and Geraldton, Morawa, Dalwallinu, New Norcia and Northam on the Mid West route.
Each rider must commit to raise at least $5000 to participate in the Ride.
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