By Dongyun Kwon
A family fun day event is coming to Yarra Glen Racecourse on Saturday 25 November.
A car and bike show, She Won’t Be Right Mate, was initiated by Marcus Reeves to raise funds for people who suffer from mental health and addiction.
“It’s not just a car and bike show. It is pushed towards families and kids. There’s a bunch of kids’ activities that families can let the kids run off throughout the day,” Mr Reeves said.
“We’ve got face paint, jumping castles, a petting zoo, reptile interactions. We’ve also got raffle items and auction items.”
Mr Reeves said he started the event in 2019 as he went through his own personal struggles with severe depression, suicide, alcohol and drug use.
“There’s a week period that I don’t remember when my family did come and take care of me, flew down from Canberra. I had that as a wake-up call and I needed to try and do something different,” he said.
“I didn’t know any way to deal with problems other than using alcohol and drugs. Since I quit alcohol and drugs, I have been sober. The people at Eastern Health supported me to deal with the depression.”
“Then, I decided to help other people who suffered similar problems. I want to let them know they are not alone.”
This is the third time for She Won’t Be Right Mate.
The previous events went successfully which enabled huge amounts of donations for mental health patients.
The first one ended up having about 150 cars along with about 1,500 people coming and raising $11,000 throughout the day.
“We donated the money to Eastern Health to get their gym equipment which patients can use for fitness and exercise,” Mr Reeves said.
The second event even doubled the first one, which attracted approximately 280 cars and 3,000 people along with raising $18,000.
“The money went towards an Eastern Health program, called faPMI, to improve support for parents and carers, children, young people and families,” Mr Reeves said.
“We are going to donate the money to Eastern Health this year as well.”
Mr Reeves emphasised the importance of a small change from a single person.
“If even one individual can draw inspiration or hope from this event, then collectively, we will have made a difference in someone’s life,” he said.
