Last week, the residents of Aveo Peregian Springs Country Club hosted a successful gala fashion parade and grand raffle, with the aim of raising much-needed funds for youth mental health on the Sunshine Coast.
An amazing $5410 was raised at the event and donated to Youturn Youth Support, a local not-for-profit which last year supported more than 9000 vulnerable young Australians and their families – many who were struggling with mental health concerns.
With young people at the heart of everything Youturn does, its youth support services fall within three core focus areas of child safety, homelessness, and mental health. The devastating effects of isolation from the pandemic meant services are in need of funding to continue their important work.
Susan Beaton, engagement and donor relations manager at Youturn, said the mental health programs, delivered through five headspace centres (including Maroochydore), were running at capacity with waitlists stretching from weeks to months.
“We know this is not acceptable which is why fundraising is so important,” she said.
“Events such as this highlights one of the biggest protective factors for young people that are doing it tough in having a caring community, who will listen, understand, show compassion and help those who are struggling to seek the support they need.”
Bringing the convenience of shopping to retirement villages, particular mention should be made of Roz, director of Portofino Fashion, Brisbane, who hosted the fashion parade and pop-up shop.
In conclusion, the organisers of the event thanked the many local businesses and individuals for their tremendous support, without which they could never have achieved such a great result. Aveo, in particular, was also acknowledged for its support of the fundraising initiative.
