IT AINT weak to speak.
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That’s the message Orange Hawks along with local gymnastics coach and former league tag gun Tori Writer are pushing leading into next weekend’s Group 10 local derby at Wade Park, where the two blues will raise money for Livin – a charity founded to wipe out the stigma surrounding mental illness and raise awareness for suicide prevention.
The cause is close to the hearts of Writer and the club’s faithful as a result of former Hawks league tag player Kathy Cooper taking her own life just over 12 months ago.
“As part of our community outreach program we’re getting behind Livin, to help promote the charity and raise awareness via our local derby day,” Hawks president Frank Sheehan explained.
‘It’s very close to Hawks’ hearts after the tragic loss last year, we’re calling out for local business to see if they’ll come on board as well to help promote the cause.
“It’ll essentially be a family fun day, we’ll have face painting, cupcake sales, jumping castles and all that sort of thing.
“This isn’t just about Hawks, or CYMS, or even rugby league. We’re inviting anyone, sporting club or otherwise, to get behind it as well.”
Central West Gymnastics has already done just that and will hold its own fundraiser next week.
Writer, 17, is the driving force behind the event and Sheehan lauded her for that, labeling her “a linchpin’ in his club despite not playing for the two blues anymore.
“I met Kathy through league tag, I wanted to do something like this as soon as I heard the news about Kathy, but now seems like the right time, 12 months on,” Writer said.
“I was introduced to Livin through school, it popped out at me a little bit because of the message it aint weak to speak, the charity’s mantra, and the fact they’re trying to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness.
“That’s the main thing, the really important thing, to stop people being shy or embarrassed about speaking about their problems. I really do love this charity, I’d do anything for it.”
“There’s been a number of these tragedies, where young men or women have taken their own lives, so it’s a great cause for the community to get behind,” Sheehan said.