During 2019 we launched a new program for the disbursement of funds, our "Community Grants." The aim of our Community Grants program is to direct money into community based initiatives that truly make a difference right across the country. Here are a few examples of the community initiatives we have funded of late.
In the words of Son of a Son Sailing
We are all affected in some way by mental health issues. 'Black Dog Sailing', a charity designed to raise money to support mental health initiatives within the sailing community. In doing this, we also aim to promote the positive impact sailing can have on mental health. Sailing is a unique sport that embraces participants of any age, race, disability, or persuasion. The mental health of its participants is vital to not only their own personal wellbeing but the greater community. Australian Sailing have over 130,000 members (with a estimated 250 000 participants) spread across 350 clubs throughout Australia.
The goal of Black Dog Sailing, in partnership with Black Dog Ride is to raise funds to implement mental health initiatives across the country through the governing body, Australian Sailing.
Our goal is to support Australian Sailing to develop and roll out mental health first aid training to all 6400 sailing instructors and coaches across the country. These instructors interact with the sailors of all ages from juniors to seniors. We want to furnish instructors with the skills and understanding to enable them to support and manage any students that maybe suffering from mental health issues and support them to find pathways to healing.
With the support of Black Dog Ride, Son of a Son Sailing are embarking on raising $150,000 to support our goal of improving mental health awareness in the sailing community.
The instigators of Black Dog Sailing will be racing a 35 year old Farr 1104 in this years Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention fundraise to support training for Australian Sailing instructors. This is an adventure in itself, we have chosen to take the cheapest (yet safe) boat we can to compete in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Comparatively to multi million dollar programs, we are at the other end of the spectrum and want to demonstrate that with good friends, determination and hard work we can tackle one of the hardest ocean races in the world.
We have loftier ambitions for Black Dog Sailing, but we are humbled by the prospect to support such a worthwhile cause.
