With the Hawaiian Ride for Youth just around the corner, our 150 dedicated riders are ramping up both their training and their fundraising in readiness for the 700km ride from Albany to Perth that begins on March 19.
They will do so in the knowledge that they’re raising money for the growing number of young Western Australians facing mental health challenges.
In its 22-year history, the Hawaiian Ride for Youth has raised nearly $32 million for youth mental health. This vital funding has enabled Youth Focus to provide mental health services to thousands of young people across Western Australia each year, including counselling, education, work and study pathways, and support for communities impacted by crises.
Subiaco’s Trent Davey will gear up for his second Hawaiian Ride for Youth in 2024, drawing motivation from personal encounters with mental health struggles and the drive to support the impactful work of Youth Focus. Having lost two close friends to suicide at the age of 16, the 24-year-old understands the ripple effect within families and communities.
“The Ride for me is about breaking down the stigma of youth mental health and about raising crucial funds and awareness for what I believe is the most challenging contemporary health topic,” he says. “The Ride has such a strong community of people who are all striving together to achieve one common purpose, in helping young Western Australians overcome mental health challenges.”
Twenty-one-year-old Ben Olson is also taking part in the ride for the second time in 2024. The Cottesloe resident will be riding with his dad, Ian, who has participated five times. Ben’s grandpa has also been part of the support crew on the ride.
“To me, the ride means being part of a community; one that becomes really close due to training and spending time together, as well as hearing others’ stories,” Ben explains.
“It also means sharing these stories with other communities throughout WA, and raising awareness of the importance of reaching out for help if you need it.”
In the lead up to the ride, many of our teams are hosting fundraising events, including Bogan Bingo, Corporate Battle of the Bands, a Charity Breakfast at Optus Stadium, and an evening with Plantagenet Wines – plus many more!
Visit Events – Hawaiian Ride For Youth to find out more and book tickets. We’d love you to get involved and help our incredible riders with their fundraising.