The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has successfully completed 2,020 push-ups and, together with her team, raised more than $2,000 for Lifeline Loddon Mallee and the Sunraysia Lifeline Project as part of this year’s Push-Up Challenge.
The Push-Up Challenge is a nationwide event that encourages participants to complete push-ups while raising funds and awareness for mental health charities across Australia.
“Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, with more than 11,000 volunteers, including over 60 based at Lifeline Loddon Mallee, which provides vital crisis support across our region,” Ms Benham said.
Ms Benham has a deeply personal connection to the cause.“My lived experience is extensive, and some might say traumatic, but I will continue to speak out. I’ll always advocate for those facing mental health challenges and for the people who care for them. I see you, I hear you,” she said.
“The stigma around mental health is gradually easing, but it’s still there. That’s why I keep talking about it, because every conversation helps.”
Ms Benham said the decision to take part in the fundraiser was an easy one.
“Mental health and suicide have impacted so many lives. Lifeline really is a lifeline, and I was proud to support their work through this challenge.”
It costs around $3,500 to train a volunteer, in addition to the organisation’s operational costs, making fundraising efforts critical to Lifeline Loddon Mallee’s ongoing work.
“You can still make a difference,” Ms Benham said. “A $39 donation can help answer one call, and that one call could change or save a life.”
To donate, visit https://lifelinelm.org.au.
If you need support, please contact Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or visit www.lifeline.org.au.
