Caption: HATS OFF TO ROTARY: Michael Skeen and Mick Doyle are asking the community to support their fundraising in local shopping centres over the next two days to benefit research into mental health. Photo: MARK LOGAN 0513mlhats2
MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Orange will pass the hat around tomorrow and Friday, and hope residents will support them by throwing in some coins or notes.
The club is getting behind the first Rotary Hat Day for mental health research and will be set up in the Orange City Centre tomorrow and Orange Central on Friday.
Rotarian Mick Doyle, who is coordinating the local arm of the appeal, thinks the appeal will strike a chord with the community.
“The incidence of mental health issues in the community is growing and I think it is something people can really relate to,” he said.
“In the spirit of the day we are really appreciative that the Lucknow Skin Shop and Boot Barn has donated two Akubra hats that we will be raffling.”
Mr Doyle said some workplaces may also want to pass the hat around and raise funds, which can be passed on to Orange Rotary Club to be donated to mental health research.
Australian Rotary Health runs a number of programs to raise money and awareness of health research.
Mr Doyle anticipates Rotary Hat Day will gain momentum in coming years.