MOTORCYCLISTS are getting behind Warrnambool’s Lifeline shop by joining thousands of Black Dog Riders on Sunday to support the charity’s suicide prevention services.
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Riders are encouraged to register online for the event and help make the 1-Dayer, as it is called, another memorable day.
Since its inception in 2009, the Black Dog Ride has reached $1 million in funds raised for mental health services, but the Sunday trip from Penshurst to Port Fairy will bring money directly to Warrnambool’s Lifeline service. It has been held locally since 2012.
Local co-ordinator Heather Muskee has battled depression for years and said a call to Lifeline was often enough to cheer her up after a rough day.
“If I can find one little thing to laugh at it makes a difference,” she told The Standard.
“All the staff in Warrnambool are so lovely and all it can take sometimes is someone to come in and see them to go out and feel better.
“All the money from the ride goes to the local Lifeline — we need this service and the people there to talk to.”
Beginning at the Penshurst Botanic Gardens at 8.30am, the ride departs at 10am and stops at the Koroit Showgrounds at 10.30am for a show and shine before a noon finish at Port Fairy’s Village Green.
Lifeline South West Victoria CEO Meredith Ericson said almost 60 people took part in the ride last year, with hopes for even more this weekend.
“It’s a great day because you have breakfast together, then there’s a Lifeline talk and then all these bikes ride off at the same time, which looks fantastic,” she said.
“The money made from the raffle goes into Lifeline and it makes a huge difference to our capacity to provide services.”
To register for the event, go to https://1dayer2014.eventbrite.com.au or www.blackdogride.com.au
People who need urgent help or support can contact