THE Nambucca Valley branch of RUOK? was established four years ago by Elisse Chapman, Danny Doolan and Gemma Rostron.

They have been fundraising for mental health ever since.

Several years ago, Gemma participated by herself in the City2Surf on behalf of this fundraising group and raised $1,000 to go to the RUOK? foundation.

In the second year attending the annual road running event in Sydney, 15 people attended the City2Surf as a part of the Nambucca Valley RUOK? Fundraising group and raised $14,000.

By the third year, 50 people from the Nambucca Valley attended the City2Surf as a part of the Nambucca Valley RUOK? fundraising group and raised a massive $40,000.

The committee has grown, and has recently seen Corrine Luffman join this fabulous group of locals.

In their latest fundraising venture, the Nambucca Valley RUOK? group and The Pub with No Beer at Taylors Arm will be jointly holding a fundraising event on Saturday June 12.

The event will start at 5:00pm.

There will be raffles, prizes, live music and food.

The Pub with No Beer are excited to have musician Chris Staff and special guest Craig Stewart come along for the evening.

All monies from the tickets and the raffles will be donated to the RUOK? Foundation.

“There is some exciting news,” Elisse Chapman told News Of The Area.

While the funds currently raised go to the Australian RUOK? fund, and put to good use throughout Australia helping those in need, very little is spent directly in the Nambucca Valley community.

The committee have brainstormed and established a non-profit organisation called ‘Time to Talk’ Nambucca Valley.

“This organisation is aimed to get people out and about and to talk to others in the community,” Elisse said.

With Mental Health the key focus, getting people out and about in the Nambucca Valley, and doing things in the community with other people is this non-profit organisation’s number one priority.

This organisation will be bringing the funds raised directly to the Nambucca Valley.

“The money will be spent on free events such as board riding, picnic days, beach walks with BBQ’s, education and so much more,” Elisse said.

“We will still be affiliated with RUOK? and Beyond Blue.

“We will be sending some of the funds raised to these brilliant organisations still, but with this new venture, we are excited to be using the money raised in the community for the people of our community.”

News Of The Area will be talking to the newly formed non-profit organisation ‘Time to Talk’ Nambucca Valley to find out more ahead of their highly anticipated launch day in the coming months.

If you are interested in going to The Pub with No Beer and Nambucca Valley RUOK? event, tickets are available from The Pub with No Beer, Midcoast Travel and Inspiration Real Estate.

Busses will be running on the day, please contact 65642100 for more information.

 

By Tamara MCWILLIAM