Whilst much of the world was locked away in their living rooms last Friday evening the Oqea team and 150 other people got together to test their mental acuity at a quiz night fundraiser for a great cause: The Hawaiian Ride for Youth.

The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is one of the largest charity rides in Australia. Participating riders cover over 700km’s in just 4.5 days to travelling from Albany to Perth, stopping along the way for school educational visits to engage with students on issues of youth suicide, depression, anxiety and self-harm. For over twenty years Youth Focus has been the recipient of all funds raised from the Hawaiian Ride for Youth. Youth Focus is a for-purpose organisation that provides mental health support services to Western Australian youth. Unlike traditional routes provided to many individuals seeking mental health support services, Youth Focus provides all their services at no gap; that’s right, free of charge.

The Crisis

Most individuals (young people and adults) who seek out mental health support are provided with a mental health care plan from their GP. The current mental health care plan arrangement entitles the recipient to up to 20 subsidised support sessions with a registered mental health provider. Whilst helpful to many, there is a gap in subsidy which leaves most individuals out of pocket hundreds of dollars in the long term, especially those diagnosed with persistent mental health conditions. Youth Focus on the other hand provides all sessions uncapped and free of charge. Oqea has sponsored a team to participate in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth for the next two years at least and according to CEO Martyn Weir have a strong mission to make a difference in the mental health space.

‍

Oqea has a strong focus to make an impact on our communities’ wellbeing through early intervention and it is why we supported the ride. Whilst there is no doubt the training has been a challenge at times, it is never been too hard to find inspiration from other riders and their stories. What is clear is that mental health does not discriminate.” - Martyn Weir, CEO and Managing Director

How we are making a difference

The quiz night was filled with laughs as quiz master extraordinaire, Matt Popham delivered on a variety of ‘Google Proof’ questions that had even the most seasoned of quiz night goers stumped at times. Nevertheless, there were three successful teams that took home first, second and third prize. Over the journey and for the quiz night, we have been very fortunate to receive donations, sponsorship and gifts by many corporate and small businesses, including some very generous personal donations.

For many the quiz night was not only an opportunity to test their knowledge, but also give back to a cause close to the heart. Many of us know the incredible stress mental health challenges can have on an individual, their family and their friends. In Australia mental health services are stretched beyond breaking point and those who provide free or low-cost services like Youth Focus would have to turn away those who need the support most without generous community support like what we witnessed on Friday night.

At the quiz night Oqea was able to raise a staggering $18,000 for the 2021 Hawaiian Ride for Youth, in addition to another $20,000 (and counting) raised through their own networks over the course of training for the past six months. Team members Phil Renshaw, Martyn Weir, Dan Fogarty and Grant Adendorff are still pushing hard to increase that total driven by the fact that all proceeds go towards continuing the good work of frontline Youth Focus mental health services.

‍

‍

Where does the money go?

Funds raised from the quiz night and the ride itself will go directly to Youth Focus’ frontline services and education programs to assist with and raise awareness of the issues concerning youth suicide, depression and self-harm.

As reflected in the statistics across the board many young Australians experience ups and downs with their mental health every year and often cannot get support when they need it most. Youth Focus provides that much needed support at no cost.

Our Commitment

To continue to deliver lifechanging services Youth Focus relies on Government funding and the generous support of individuals in the community like those who attended the quiz night and continue to give generously to the Ride for Youth.

As sponsors the Oqea team has a goal to fundraise over $50,000 to contribute to an overall collective goal of $1,800,000 between all participating teams in the 2021 ride. ‍

‍

Want to donate?‍

If you didn’t make it to the quiz night don’t worry, there is still time to make a donation and change a child’s life for the better.

To donate visit the Oqea team’s donation page here. With less than one month to go before the team departs for Albany your donation will make a big difference! 

‍