Join Tom Crawford and Bob Boyer for charity night to raise mental health awareness and shatter stigma

By Caleb Francis

May 11, 2023

Good cause: Tom Crawford and Bob Boyer will host a mental health fundraiser. Photo by Megan Fisher

Tom Crawford and Bob Boyer have come together to create a charity event that aims to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health.

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Inspired by their own experiences, the men have organised what they hope will be an unforgettable evening of support, education and hope.

Mr Crawford has faced his own battles with mental health and understands the importance of helping others.

“I’ve lost two brothers to suicide; I’ve struggled with mental health myself,” he said.

“It’s a real passion to help others.”

It is this passion that has fuelled the creation of this charity event.

Both men recognise the power of their shared involvement in football as a platform to generate awareness within the community.

“We thought that we’d have a night where we can get a bit of awareness in the community because a lot of people are struggling,” Mr Boyer said.

“And I think they just need something like this to come forward and realise that we can support one another.”

The charity night will host a line-up of exceptional speakers, including former St Kilda footballer Justin Koschitzke and Chelsea Frawley, daughter of late AFL legend Danny Frawley.

Alongside these inspiring individuals, Mr Crawford will share his own experiences and resources for self-care.

He hopes to provide community members with invaluable tools to support their mental wellbeing.

“I’ve got a lot of ways that I can look after myself when I feel I’m slipping, and what I hope to achieve is to share those resources with the community,” he said.

The event’s primary focus is to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.

By encouraging open conversations and de-stigmatising mental health struggles, the event organisers aim to create a supportive community where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and sharing their experiences.

All funds raised during the event will be directed towards the Danny Frawley Centre, which is committed to providing assistance and resources for those facing mental health challenges.

The charity night will take place on Saturday, May 20, starting at 6:30pm, at the Ardmona Community Complex, and as well as the speakers, attendees can enjoy the captivating music of Shane’s Party Club.

As Mr Crawford and Mr Boyer embark on this mission to break the silence surrounding mental health, they expressed their gratitude to the supportive families who had generously offered their assistance in organising this event.

Join the pair and a host of incredible speakers and supporters on a night that promises to bring awareness, healing and hope.

For tickets and further information, contact Bob Boyer on 0400 243 797 or Tom Crawford on 0437 187 977.