Otago Daily Times: Shearers from all over the South Island raised awareness around mental health, in a 24-hour Shear-Athon event in North Canterbury on Friday.
Video made with the support of NZ On Air.
Shearers from all over the South Island took part in a 24-hour Shearathon event in North Canterbury on Friday.
Canterbury shearer Mark Herlihy decided to get his friends and family together for the Shearathon to raise awareness and funds for mental health. Herlihy lost his 20-year old brother to suicidetwo years ago.
Machine and blade shearers traveled from as far afield as Riverton in the South and Hawke's Bay and Taranaki in the North. Four woolsheds kept 3500 sheep dry before they were shorn.
"And we've got four and a half thousand to shear," said Herlihy, "so if the rain would go away it would make life heaps easier."
A memorial corner was set up for people to remember those lost to suicide. The Shearathon also has a Givealittle page here.
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
