TOWN of Victoria Park Mayor Trevor Vaughan will join riders raising money for Burswood-based mental health organisation Youth Focus.
Mr Vaughan will take part in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth CEO Challenge, meaning he will ride 80km from Mandurah to Perth on March 24.
Mr Vaughan said the decision to take part in the charity event came after an invitation came from Hawaiian chief executive and West Coast Eagles chairman Russell Gibbs.
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READ NOW“As Youth Focus are in the Town of Victoria Park, it motivated me to take part in the ride because they do so much in the mental health space,” he said.
“I’ve been taking part in two sessions per week, which are run by triathlon coach Peter Trench, and we usually ride for about 40km to 50km.
“This has helped me get back into riding because I’d stopped for a while.
“I’m looking forward to the ride because we get to meet up with some of the other riders, who have travelled further.”
Youth Focus chief executive Fiona Kalaf said 54 young West Australians aged between 15 and 24 died by suicide last year.
“Statistics show more than one young person dies to suicide each week, leaving their families dealing with the abject grief, guilt and pain of losing a loved one unnecessarily to suicide,” she said.
“The ripple effect in our community is profound.
“This is why events like the Hawaiian Ride for Youth are so important.
“Not only does the ride raise important awareness in regional communities, but the funds raised ensure Youth Focus can continue to support young people throughout the State.”
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