General News
17 August, 2022
Community backs fundraising effort
FOUR young footballers wanting to make a positive difference following the death of a friend and brother, Thomas Vickers (20), have launched a fundraising initiative which raised $8000 in just days.
FOUR young footballers wanting to make a positive difference following the death of a friend and brother, Thomas Vickers (20), have launched a fundraising initiative which raised $8000 in just days.
Xavier Vickers (18), Hugh Porter (20), Connor Cardwell (20) and Kane Johnstone (20) will be running the 42-kilometre Melbourne Marathon in October to raise money for mental health.
Their initiative, named “Let’s dog the black dog,” will aim to raise funds to support the Terang and district community through the creation of a non-judgemental place for people to talk about their mental health.
“Last year Thomas Vickers (20) committed suicide and when it happened I sat down with Hugh Porter and Connor Cardwell and we just said this can’t happen again,” MrJohnstone said.
“We were trying to think of something to do and after I got injured playing footy we decided to run the marathon, get the boys involved and create the fundraiser.
“Thomas was an amazing brother to Xavier and very close with the rest of his family."
“This is something they are going through which you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.”
Seeing the strength Thomas’ family and friends had shown in the aftermath of their loss inspired the boys to act.
“We feel if we had more support for each other, maybe things like this wouldn’t be happening, and when we saw how strong Liz (Kelly, Thomas’ mother) and the family were being we knew we should be as well,” Mr Johnstone said.
“If we have to be vulnerable and emotional about it, then that’s what we’ve got to do to get over this stigma that men can’t talk about their mental health; that anyone can’t."
“The thing I’m most proud of is Xavierand Hugh."
“Hugh is Xavier’s best mate and Xavier is Thomas’ brother; having to go through as much as they did and get behind this, to sort of put themselves on the line, is just incredible.”
Funds raised through “Let’s dog the black dog” will go towards a mental health support initiative to support those in the community struggling.
“Liz and Sheryn McDowell are doing a couple of courses, which will allow them to be able to take people in and provide a place for people to talk and have a safe space,” Mr Johnstone said.
“The first time I talked to Liz about this, the thing I took away from the conversation was the idea of creating a positive out of a negative."
“There’s simply not enough support around and we want to change that.”
The fundraising efforts received a major boost last Saturday after Terang Mortlake Football Netball Club (TMFNC) offered to donate the gate takings from the Bloods final home game to the cause.
The gate takings ultimately tallied $5229.
Xavier, Hugh, Connor and Kane, all current TMFNC players, had spread the word of their fundraising efforts around the club, and the club’s executive branch wanted to showits support.
TMFNC president Matt Clarke said the donation was “a small gesture” for the strength and dedication the young Bloods were showing.
“We’re absolutely blown away by the community’s support, as this was how our people and South Warrnambool could support the cause,” he said.
“The four guys are all players at TMFNC and as a club and community, the tragedy of Thomas Vickers taking his own life last year was close to a lot of people."
“We are so proud of these guys, and that’s why you jump on board with these things as a club."
“It’s a really important cause which effects us all, especially as the guys are close with Thomas Vickers and the family, so they’re actually getting out there and doing something really productive for a much greater cause than a footy club.”
Kane Johnstone said he “couldn’t believe it” when he found out the tally from thegate takings.
“Honestly, it was one of those things which brings tears to your eyes,” he said.
“I just couldn’t believe the amount of support South Warrnambool, the Bloods and the Terang and Mortlake communitieshave given."
“It was absolutely amazing.”
An online fundraiser has also been set up through website GoFundMe, which at the time of publication has raised more than $3000.
“I can’t describe the feeling knowing how much the community is supporting this,” Mr Johnstone said.
“When I first caught up with Hugh, Connor and Xav we hoped we could raise a couple grand, but it’s turned out to be quite a bit more."
“Talking to Thomas’ mum, Liz, she’s just overwhelmed with the support we’ve got from everyone.”
To donate search “Let’s dog the black dog” on Facebook or GoFundMe.
You are not alone. Help is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline at 13 11 14.