Elle Cecil
With one in five Aussies experiencing symptoms of mental illness each year, the senior women’s team at the Whittlesea Football Netball Club has taken it upon themselves to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward Walk for Mental Health.
Fundraising for life changing research into treatment and prevention of mental illness will help change the lives of people living with mental illness. With funds also going to support services, the Whittlesea Eagles women are working hard to assist people with mental illness as well as their loved ones.
It’s the team’s first fundraising effort, and one that is particularly close to the hearts of some of the players. The Eagles senior women’s team is made up of approximately 35 women aged between 16 and 42, and 2021 saw the women complete their very first season.
“This season was our first home and away season, though it was meant to be 2020, it was our first year being able to play as a team,” says vice-captain Jasmyn Lang.
“Footy’s one of the things that keeps a lot of us going, and we wanted to find something to keep our bond strong in the off season.”
Walking in COVID-safe groups, 11 women from the team are participating in the walking fundraiser, with a shared goal of raising $1,500. Having walked a total of over 500 kilometres together, the team are proud of their efforts and the support that they’re providing each other.
“It’s good to utilise this fundraiser to remind each other that we’re here in such hard times,” Jasmyn says.
The Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward Walk for Mental Health has over 42,000 participants this year, with nearly $10 million raised for mental health research and services.
To donate to the Whittlesea Eagles Football Netball Club team effort, visit www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/eaglewomenkickinggoals.
