Gus Villablanca update on Going The Extra Mile..
Gus Villablanca Subject: SBS TV Insight – Focus on the Family – Go the Extra Mile (Gus & Jacob) Dear Friends, There is only 14 days to go before we take part in the 50km endurance walk/run in the Dandenong Ranges called “Go the Extra Mile” For those that may not know, this event has been setup to raise awareness and funding for the work that seeks to prevent suicide amongst our teenagers in Australia. Once again, only this week the issue of suicide was raised on SBS on Tuesday night. Insight TV program was dealing in the area of Grief & Depression and the impact that this has on the family and the community. To see highlight of this show visit: http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/ The reasons for suicide can be very complex (abuse, depression, bullying, identity etc.) The message of HOPE, needs to go fourth into our community & by raising the awareness of this, we can all make a difference if we try! In 2011, Focus on the Family Australia were approached by a Ministers network whose community had experienced 42 suicides in two years. They wanted to know what more they could be doing to respond to the fall-out and to prevent more deaths. In response to this, we developed Born Survivors. So what does the Born Survivors program offer that other suicide prevention programs don’t? In addition to providing evidence based intervention and response strategies,˜Born Survivors” explores some of the key elements of resilience, wellbeing and hope. It’s divided into three separate workshops that provide information but also allows for people to share their stories, encourage each other and build a plan for their community. We are rolling out this program to partner with churches, schools, community and sporting groups around Australia. Most people are not aware that Suicide is responsible for more deaths than road accidents and is the greatest cause of death for Australians under 40. Suicide impacts many thousands of Australian families every year. Our target, as a Team is to raise $5000.00, up to date, the team (The Mighty Focus Walkers) is currently sitting at $3851.00. We are not that far away from reaching our set target. I have also been told that the highest fundraising team, will have their target matched by a generous sponsor effectively doubling the funds! If you would like to support me or my son Jacob in this event, you can sponsor us by donating online at the following address: www.GoTheExtraMile.com.au/vic/donate.asp All donations over $2 are tax deductible & if you would like to learn more about the event, please visit: www.GoTheExtraMile.com.au/vic. Personally, thank you to those that have already donated towards this cause & thanks for your support in helping us raise $5,000 to help Focus on the Family Australia expand our work in this area. Kind Regards, Gus Villablanca Focus on the Family Australia