Lifeline thanks Canberra 'bosses' for $65,000 in 'bail' money

Lifeline Canberra has thanked local bosses for $65,000 in funds raised from their recent Lock up Your Boss campaign.

To thank the local businesses that took part, Lifeline Canberra took the top 15 fundraising ‘bosses’ to a special lunch at the National Portrait Gallery hosted by Lifeline’s patron, Dr Brendan Nelson.

Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson was extremely pleased with the outcome with close to 2000 calls being received and $65,000 raised.

“It is a privilege to say ‘thank you’ to the ‘bosses’ that participated. We are very appreciative to have people step up and take part in this event, and also advise us, support us and mentor us through our initiatives,” Ms Leeson said.

For only the second year, ‘bosses’ were locked in a ‘virtual’ prison, while staff, friends, family and strangers pledged ‘bail’ money to have them released.

“Over 30 ‘bosses’ took part this year. It was a great opportunity to engage with them, have a discussion around mental health and raise some much-needed funds for our organisation,” Ms Leeson explained.

The ‘bail’ money went to fund Lifeline Canberra’s invaluable 13 11 14 crisis support line.

According to Lifeline, we lose one person every week to suicide in Canberra alone. Lifeline Canberra fights to save those in our communities who are battling depression and suicidal thoughts, and offers support to help people change their lives for the better.

But running a free service requires time and money. Each call Lifeline Canberra answers costs the organisation $26. They take around 100 calls per day or 30,000 per year.

Lifeline patron and Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, acknowledged the efforts of everyone who took part in the Lock up Your Boss campaign, especially the top 15 fundraising ‘bosses’ who were present at the lunch.

“We appreciate the support given by all of the ‘bosses’. The most powerful of all human emotions is hope and that things will be better tomorrow. Lifeline is about giving that hope to people and we thank you for your support,” Dr Nelson said.

Cade Brown, Lifeline Canberra chair and partner at Callida Consulting, thanked the ‘bosses’ and recognised the work of the staff and volunteers.

“In addition to the generosity of all of the ‘bosses’ that took part I would like to recognise and thank the hard work and dedication of our staff of 10 and 690 volunteers,” Mr Brown said.

Lifeline Canberra has also had some great success with increasing the number of people in their recent intake of Crisis Supporters.

This has been due, in significant part, to significant Lifeline Canberra supporters, Richard Rolfe and Rolfe Peugeot, who have wrapped Lifeline Canberra’s new Peugeot with a call to action to volunteer.

“As a result of people seeing the vehicle around Canberra our recent intake for crisis supporters has doubled. We are extremely pleased with this support and result,” Ms Leeson said.

Lifeline patron Dr Nelson said he was involved with Lifeline Canberra because it was all about helping people.

“It is the things that you do in life that are about helping other people that give you the most satisfaction and this is what Lifeline is literally all about,” Dr Nelson said.

To find out how your business can get involved with Lifeline Canberra click here: BUSINESS. If you would like to volunteer with Lifeline Canberra click here: VOLUNTEER.

If you are thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis help is available. No one needs to face their problems alone. Call Lifeline Canberra on 131114.