THE Cavaliers rally team from Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) and the Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) have raised $46,000 for mental health, after taking part recently in Beyond Blue's Bitumen Rally 2024.
More than half a million dollars was raised during the not-for-profit's rally and The Cavaliers' fundraising efforts were the highest of any team at this year's event.
"Seven years ago, I went to a Beyond Bitumen presentation dinner in my hometown of Forbes," Michael Flannery (pictured right), Founder and Executive Director of IPA Group, told Pharmacy Daily.
"A mate of mine who did the rally got up on stage, initially as a joke to sing a Kenny Rogers song, but halfway through, he broke down and started sharing his story about how he struggled with mental illness being a remote farmer.
"He talked that night about Beyond Blue's importance for people like him who are on a farm."
"Isn't it an amazing thing? You can have a mate like that slip under your radar and not realise it."
The following year, Flannery and IPA's Chief Technology Officer Warwick Marx (pictured left)bought a vehicle for the event, and The Cavaliers rally team was born.
Over six years, The Cavaliers team has grown to more than 20 people.
While "a group of blokes" would not normally want to stand around and talk, Flannery thought sitting in a rally car with his teammates would be good for everyone's mental health.
He mentioned The Cavaliers strongly supports the important work that Beyond Blue carries out and are advocates for raising awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.
"Growing up in regional Australia where the suicide rate is considerably higher than urban areas, particularly for men, The Cavaliers understand the importance of checking in on your mates and seeking help if you're feeling low or anxious." JG
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