Tewantin funeral director Kellie Cleland has been named as this year’s top Liptember fundraiser, raising almost $5500 for women’s mental health by wearing lipstick during the month of September.
Hundreds of Aussies puckered up and thousands generously donated to fundraising activities during Liptember which takes place every September; a month when Australians are encouraged to proudly wear bright lipstick every day to start conversations, raise awareness, and funds for women’s mental health.
Kellie is a long-time Liptember supporter who has raised over $30,000 in total – making her the foundation’s all-time top fundraiser as well.
“Having complex and extensive mental health issues for most of my life and knowing how hard it can be to access the correct help (or any), I know more work needs to be done in this space,“ Kellie said.
“We need to raise awareness and fundraise so things change for our daughters.”
Kellie admits she doesn’t like wearing lipstick but says she’s happy to don a bright lippy for the good cause.
“I really don’t like wearing lipstick. Whilst this isn’t running a marathon, it’s an annoyance every day for a month I can easily get behind for charity,” she said.
This year, over $1.85 million were raised for Liptember, which will be used to support women’s mental health.
Liptember Foundation chief executive officer and founder Luke Morris said, “We are incredibly grateful to our loyal and passionate community who understand how important tailored mental health services are for women.“
“This amount is the most we have raised in recent years, so we are so thankful to everyone who generously contributed. We have also been supported once again by our Premier Partner for over 10 years, Chemist Warehouse.
“The funds raised this year will continue to support key priority areas of women’s mental health identified by our Liptember Foundation Women’s Mental Health Research 2023 to deliver the most informed impact possible. The Foundations funding rounds will open in early 2024, allowing organisations working in these priority areas to apply for much needed funding,” Luke explained.
Earlier this year, Liptember Foundation’s Women’s Mental Health Research 2023 uncovered that cost-of-living pressures are negatively impacting the majority (59 per cent) of Australian women’s mental health, with one in three saying they don’t seek help because they can’t afford it.
The research also found that female-specific biological factors and experiences, including endometriosis, fertility issues, birth trauma and menopause can impact a woman’s mental health.
“Together, with the help of our national Liptember Foundation community of experts, advocates and allies, we believe we can improve these statistics to make sure all Australian women can achieve their optimal mental health,” Luke said.
To help support Australian women’s mental health, visit liptemberfoundation.org for more information.
