ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) firefighters will climb the elevation of Mt Everest up Mt Ainslie to support mental health and raise funds for Lifeline Canberra.
In teams of five, each firefighter will walk approximately 36km – or four round trips – up and down the mountain while wearing breathing apparatus.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the event, on Saturday 19 March, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the mental health challenges many Canberrans face.
“We want to encourage conversations that support mental health and raise much-needed funds for Lifeline Canberra,” Minister Gentleman said.
“All funds raised from the event will go directly to Lifeline Canberra Crisis Support Service, which will provide assistance to the Canberra community in their time of need.”
ACTF&R Chief Officer Matthew Mavity said participating firefighters are excited to be supporting such a worthy cause.
“Being a firefighter is a physically and emotionally challenging career, which is one of the reasons ACTF&R prioritises the normalising of discussions around mental health,” Chief Office Mavity said.
“Lifeline Canberra is a fantastic organisation to support as they truly change lives by helping the Canberra community.”
Lifeline Canberra exists to support people in crisis and helps save the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide. Show your support and donate via the Ainslie to Everest event fundraising website www.esa.act.gov.au/ainslietoeverest.
