Chris, one of our Satellite club members, was challenged to be silent for 20 hours to help raise funds for 20Talk.

 

He took on the challenge, because as a father of young adult daughters, he wanted others to have the skills to be resilient when challenges come their way.  He indicated that it breaks his heart to hear of young people believing that taking their own life when they are suffering mental health issues is the only way forward.  

 

The event, where Chris was challenged to spend 20 hours in a 2 metre square, with nothing but a chair and a mattress - no books, no phone, no watch AND keep quiet for 20 hours.  During those 20 hours - which started at 4.00 am - he was alone with some 300 other participants all doing the same thing, to help raise funds for 20Talk so they can continue to provide free mental health education sessions for young adults.  The only time they could leave their square was if they needed a bathroom break.  

 

Meals, which Chris provided for himself, were given out during the 20 hours, but with no indication of what the time was.  They did have the opportunity to take in a blank journal and pen to write about their experiences.  They also were asked to undertake some specific challenges during the day.  

 

He was glad he was involved in the challenge, and it allowed him to set aside his technology and just focus on the now.  He indicated that one in three young people experience mental health issues and for those in the 16 - 50 age bracket, suicide is the highest killer.

 

If you want to know more about 20Talk - check out their website https://www.20talk.com.au/

 

Thanks Chris for reminding us that switching off is very important to our mental health.  

 

 

 

We usually look for a Rotary club overseas to toast during our regular "International Toast" session, but for this week's meeting Ros decided to toast our local Fremantle Rotary Club.  The club meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month with a 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm start time.  They meet at the East Fremantle Yacht Club for their 2 formal meetings and usually have an extra social event each month which could include wide tasting, bowls, croquet, dinner, picnic or simply an opportunity to catch up with each other. 

 

They raise funds to support Rotary projects, with their main fundraiser being their Annual Golf Day.  They also are involved in collecting non perishable goods for distribution to organisations helping those who are less fortunate through their "Give a Damn, Give a Can project.  Another programme they enjoy being involved in is to provide breakfast for students attending Fremantle College each Friday morning.  They usually serve well over 100 breakfasts each week.  This initiative is supported by Fremantle's Bendigo Bank.

 

Our meeting was held before the Grand Final on Saturday so we wanted to wish the Fremantle Dockers all the best.  

 

 

 

Put the weekend of October 10 and 11 in your diaries so you can help out over the weekend.