The Wyndham Rotary Fun Run is returning on Sunday, March 2 at Wyndham Park in Werribee, and the community is invited to run– or walk– for a great cause, paediatric mental health care.
The annual event started in 2008 and this year’s focus will be on aiding the Mercy Hospital’s paediatric team to tackle the ongoing issue.
Wyndham Rotary executive secretary Julie Mason has been involved in education for 54 years and has never “seen so many students experiencing anxiety and in some cases depression”.
“It is so difficult for families and teachers when children refuse to come to school and when at school present with challenging behaviour.”
Participants will be able to show their support by joining the 10km and 5km runs, or the 8km and 4km walks.
The School’s Challenge, which is designed to encourage schools to promote the Fun Run to those students who already love running competitions, will have a trophy waiting for the winner.
Through Australian Rotary Health, important research into improving the mental health of children under 12 is underway, with intervention in improving sleep patterns and diet in foster children and children with autism on the agenda.
Wyndham Rotary and the Mercy Health Foundation are aiming to have 1000 participants join in across the next two years, and are bullish that it can be achieved this year.
For registration and prices: www.wyndhamrotaryfunrun.com.au/
Jaidyn Kennedy
