Charity groups batyr and Pieta House will be the beneficiaries of the second Light Ball Sydney dinner on October 15, as part of an effort to increase awareness about mental health.
The black tie gala event, to be held at Dockside Pavilion on Darling Harbour, raises awareness and funds around mental health – specifically depression, anxiety and suicide. Last year’s inaugural ball saw former Sydney Swans AFL player Tadhg Kennelly publicly support the cause before and on the night, with almost $90,000 raised for charities prevention.
Former Wales international rugby player Ben Davies is working with a team of 15 volunteers to organise the event, and says that mental health issues need to be discussed more openly.
“I am delighted to be involved in the upcoming Light Ball that is only a few weeks away,” he said.
“I think it will be a fantastic evening. During my own experiences and struggles with depression in my last year of professional rugby, I took great solace and comfort in talking to my friends, family and loved ones. Depression must be discussed more openly and freely, just as we talk openly with people who battle cancer. Let’s feel liberated and unshackle ourselves from what can be a silent killer if left untreated. Talking helps.”
A recent study taken from batyr found that in an average classroom of 30 students, seven people are affected with a mental health condition. Of those seven, only two reach out for help while the remaining five suffer in silence. It is estimated that 7.8 Australians lose their lives to suicide every day in Australia.
Tickets for the event are priced at $179 per person. Registrations are already open via thelightball.oztix.com.au.
