Maas Group Holdings will be running a series of family events to raise funds for Dolly’s Dream, an organisation committed to changing the culture of bullying by addressing its impact on anxiety, depression and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families.
Dolly’s Dream was founded after Dolly Everett tragically took her own life in January 2018 at the age of 14, a loss that created waves across the nation and highlighted the devastating effects of cyberbullying in school-aged children.
Do It For Dolly Day, falling on Friday 12 May this year, is an annual event that aims to bring people together to break the barriers around having tough conversations about bullying and spread the importance of being kind to create a safe and welcoming community.
Maas is a proud supporter and participant of Do It For Dolly Day. Having raised a total of $8,000 in 2022, they have set their sights on surpassing that amount this year by hosting a series of fundraising events across their operations nationally.
COO Andy Letfallah said Dolly’s story resonates strongly in regional towns, just like the one Dolly lived in herself.
“Being headquartered in Regional Australia, we were aware of the tragic story of Dolly Everett. Bullying, anxiety and depression have such an overwhelming flow-on effect – especially when it comes to young people. In regional communities, that impact can feel even greater,” she added.
The first family-day event in the series will be taking place in Dubbo, New South Wales on Do It For Dolly Day at the Macquarie Club, where families are encouraged to wear blue for Dolly, participate in barefoot bowls, visit the ‘Kindness Corner’, and purchase Dolly’s Dream merchandise.
The $5 entry fee will be donated directly to the foundation which will go towards spreading Dolly’s message, and Maas will match a considerable portion of donations made.
“We were overwhelmed by the number of people from within our staff community opening up about the impacts that bullying, suicide, anxiety and depression has had on them and their loved ones,” said Letfallah.
Other activities which will be present at the events include food trucks, kid’s games and a community raffle.
Maas will be bringing their events to Rockhampton, Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, Orange and Perth.
In the future, Maas hopes to explore a partnership beyond participating in Do It For Dolly Day to promote Dolly’s powerful message of kindness.
To donate to Maas’ fundraising efforts, please visit: https://fundraise.dollysdream.org.au/fundraisers/maasdoitfordollyday2023