Finalist the Hawaiian Ride For Youth
Youth Focus and Hawaiian have been named a finalist in the Constable Care Child Safety Awards, in the category of ‘ WA Corporate Child and Safety Program Partnership Award’ which recognises corporate involvement and investment in a community initiative, project or program that has made an outstanding contribution to child safety, and created safer environments for children living in Western Australia.
The partnership was recognised for increasing mental health awareness in the WA community through the Hawaiian Ride for Youth, an annual cycling event which Hawaiian and Youth Focus deliver. Hawaiian Ride for Youth participants cycle over 700kms between Albany and Perth, raising awareness of mental health issues and funds for Youth Focus along the way.
The prime objectives of the Hawaiian Ride for Youth are, to raise awareness of the issues concerning youth suicide, depression and self-harm, to raise awareness of the services provided by Youth Focus, to raise funds so that Youth Focus can continue to provide free services to youth in need.
On their journey the riders stop at high schools to engage students in a conversation about youth suicide, depression and self-harm and the services that Youth Focus provide. The riders share their personal stories and experiences as many have been touched in some way by mental health issues, while professional Youth Focus counsellors are on hand to provide young people with professional support and advice.
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is also a major source of funding for Youth Focus, which provides free, ongoing, professional counselling to young people who are suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thought and self-harm.
In the 2012-13 the Hawaiian Ride for Youth accounted for approximately 30% of Youth Focus’ annual funding. Without the event and the partnership with Hawaiian, Youth Focus simply could not provide the same level of support to as many young people as it currently does. The recognition that comes with the nomination as a finalist in the Constable Care Child Safety Awards builds on the overall success of the event.
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth was also recognised in 2012 when it won the prestigious Events Australia award for the ‘Best charity or cause event in Australia’. The winner of the WA Corporate Child and Safety Program Partnership Award will be announced at the Constable Care Child Safety Awards in August 2013.