THE Leeton Calo’s Riders Club hopes to get engines revving and people talking on one important issue this year – mental health.
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The band of social riders are using their upcoming Harley and Bike Muster as a way to raise funds for their work educating on depression in the Leeton and Riverina.
The event supports the Mate Helping Mate program.
As a result of past musters and other fundraisers, last year the club was able to release a DVD titled Our Stories of Depression.
The idea behind the DVD was to highlight the prevalence of mental illness in the Riverina, while encouraging people to seek help.
It featured many familiar faces to show just how close to home mental illness can hit. The club’s members now lead talks and screenings of the film across the region.
However, more money is required to keep distributing the documentary.
“Everyone knows someone who suffers from depression,” Calo’s president Pat Tripodi said. “We want to look after our mates and keep supporting our community.”
This year’s muster will aim to do just that.
The event is open to all ages, but the target group is for those aged 50 and over, but families are welcome.
There are many new facets to this year’s event as well, including a different structure of the muster, live bands, a merchandise alley, more bikes and vehicles on display and online ticketing.
Guest speakers will also be present to discuss mental health, there will be new avenues of donation collection to help raise funds and an event website will soon be launching.
A tyre pull, burnout pad and show and shine will also be part of the event as it aims to build a solid reputation and audience in not just Leeton, but the wider area.
Mr Tripodi said the club hoped to use funds raised to keep on distributing the DVD, but to also improve mental health services in Leeton shire and the Riverina.
Facts
- The Leeton Harley and Bike Muster will be held on October 22 at the Leeton Showground.
- Tickets can be purchased online at https://trybooking.com/212450 for the early bird price of $15.
- Make a donation to the cause by visiting gofund.me/leetonhbm.