|
By Harry Easton A group of Conviction Group’s proud volunteers have raised over $5000 for The Movember Foundation.
Throughout the month of November, some volunteers grew moustaches while others completed the Move for Movember challenge, running, walking or swimming 60 kilometres over the month. Overall, the team raised $5833. One of the Conviction Group volunteers, Ben Jepsen, says the events of 2020 were a factor in him wanting to raise awareness about men’s health by taking part in Movember. “Growing the Mo this year was extremely important to me as we’ve all had it tough at some point during 2020,” says Ben. “I’m so proud of the Conviction Group team for their tireless efforts to raise money for such a good cause. These dollars change lives through the programs and initiatives run by Movember and I am so lucky to be a part of it.”
“People would often look and ask if I was doing Movember, and a few comments about how I looked like a 70’s porn star. I didn’t know whether to take it as a compliment or not,” he laughed. “My other Movember team raised $1000, and that in combination with the CG team $5000 really makes me feel like we have done something good for the wider community in raising awareness around men’s mental health.” Movember wasn’t just an all-male affair; two female volunteers, Claudia and Taylor, took part in the Move for Movember challenge. “I did a mixture of both running & walking,” says Claudia.
I completed two to three kilometres each day. I started off running every day but half way through week two it did become quite exhausting. But I enjoyed it heaps and even got my boyfriend involved!” Taylor got her kilometres up by walking and swimming and says she was doing this challenge for “my Dad my brother, my mates and every man.” “I am so grateful to everyone who donated or supported our team in any way,” says Taylor. "To be able to dedicate over $5000 to the funding of programs that will fundamentally change the way men in need are treated and supported is incredible. This figure makes me feel hopeful for a future where men are more supported, and less affected by testicular and prostate cancer, mental health and suicide.” Claudia says raising awareness of men’s health issues is a cause close to her heart. “I’m doing this challenge for all the beautiful men in my life that lost their battle but also for all the wonderful men still present. “Each day is a fight and I want them to know that I’ll be there every step of the way supporting them and raising awareness. Although Movember is finished, I encourage everyone to continue and raise more awareness!”
“Every hour around the globe 60 men take their own lives,” says Jack
“This alarming statistic was my motivation to choose the 60km distance. I set the intention to voluntarily endure both a physical and mental challenge and thought a 60km run would be best to combine these two aspects.” Jack’s incredible run was down in the heart of Sydney, crossing the Harbour Bridge and running through Pyrmont, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. “From 40 kilometres to 60 kilometres is where it was really challenging. I had hit a wall.” “Physically I began to deteriorate, I had my ankle and knee joints swell up, sore muscles and I was constantly thirsty. My own internal chatter took a turn for the worse, and my mental state began to deteriorate. “Although I was experiencing some difficulty, I saw this as an opportunity to become comfortable in an uncomfortable situation and changed the internal dialogue to positively reinforcing messages. “I was able to remind myself of the Movember cause and all the support I had received, the passion I have for men’s health ignited a drive to push through the run. I also thought of the Conviction Group team and the wider community during the tough times and that really motivated me to finish the run. “From this experience I have learned the importance of how you relate to yourself during times of struggle. By simply re-framing your thinking and choosing to attack the problem rather than letting it defeat you, success is there waiting for you.” Movember runs annually every November and if you would like to be involved in years to come, be sure to visit https://au.movember.com/?home Conviction Group has been a proud supporter of Movember this year, helping to raise fund to tackles some of the core issues affecting men today. To find out more about Conviction Group and other ways to get involved, visit https://www.convictiongroup.org.au/ Thanks to all the volunteers who took part
0 Comments
|
