With six mountains, five countries, four continients, three months, two people and one goal- zero suicides, the next step in two former Boorowa locals 6NIL quest will kick off next month with a charity cocktail auction at the Imperial Hotel in Cowra.
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The driving force behind the 6NIL challenge, Maddie and Will Gay are aiming to raise awareness of suicide prevention and $250,000 for Lifeline.
After losing their father to suicide five years ago, the siblings launched the program earlier this year and have already raised $18,000 for Lifeline - chosen for its Australia-wide accessability, where many other services are only available for those in more densely-populated areas.
"Lifeline gets a call every 50 seconds from around Australia, and saves countless lives but they don't have the resources to keep up with call demand, and rely on commnity support and volunteers," Maddie said.
With less than 12 months to go until their journey begins on World Suicide Prevention Day in September 2015, Maddie encouraged everyone to support the 'Raise the Barriers' cocktail auction.
"Mental illness is something the can affect everyone in some way and we're really trying to get rid of the stigma-even just showing support for these programs used to be stigmatised but now more and more people are putting their hand up to talk about it and get help."
"We'll be auctioning items and services so if anyone would like to help out, please donate for the event. We've had things donated like Wallaby jerseys or services like piano lessons, people volunteering to be a tradie for a day or do someone's garden."
Both businesses and individuals are encouraged to donate an item or service for the auction, with all proceeds going to Lifeline.
Maddie and Will will are looking forward to their journey next year.
"As well as being a huge physical challenge, the inclines and declines of the mountains reflect the ups and downs of people's lives," Maddie said.
"It's kind of healing for us both but the main aim is to empower people to start having conversations."
The auction will be held Friday November 7, the night before the Cowra Picnic Races and will get underway at 7pm. Tickets are $70 each, with a bar tab, coctail food and a door prize up for grabs. Tickets are to be purcased by Friday, October 7.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.6NIL.com or contact hello@6nil.com or visit the 6NIL Facebook page.
