Top team makes a difference

The team at Clontarf’s Dynamic Bradview Roofing raised the most money for Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward fundraiser in Australia this year, while also raising awareness of mental health challenges facing many in the community.

Their efforts were recognised by the charity, which treats and researches mood disorders and is a leader in suicide prevention, digital mental health, workplace mental health and early intervention, yesterday.

Black Dog Institute Business Development Manager Katherine Holeyman and Corporate Partnerships Manager Stevie Linton travelled from Sydney to Clontarf to congratulate and thank the team.

Dynamic Bradview Roofing staff and their families, a team of about 21, counted their steps or completed designated walks, runs or cycles each day during the month of October. They covered more than 4000km and raised $46,000 – more than $12,000 ahead of their nearest rivals.

Organiser Sharon McTague instigated their first walk in 2020, with just a small team of four. They raised $5000, which was matched by the company.

This year, more than 20 staff and family members took part.

Sharon is passionate about the cause, having dealt with her own mental health challenges since childhood.

She knows how important it is to be able to access support and treatment, and to fund research.

Simple concept, big results

For Sharon, the One Foot Forward campaign was a chance to help Black Dog Institute but also initiate conversations about mental health.

“It’s about getting active. Each person picked their goal amount of steps/activity,” she explains.

They completed a 10kn group walk on the last day, travelling from Scarborough to Woody Point.

“We’ve been getting so many people open up about their own mental health issues. These people have never spoken about it before,” she says.

“It’s mind-blowing. It’s exceeded what I ever imagined it would be.”

Dynamic Bradview Roofing team member Riley Grove completed the 42km Auckland Marathon on October 30, proudly wearing his team’s running singlet, the same day his colleagues completed their walk on the Redcliffe peninsula.

He covered 548km in October, raising $400.

Black Dog Institute Business Development Manager Katherine Holeyman and Corporate Partnerships Manager Stevie Linton said it was an outstanding team effort.

“Dynamic Bradview Roofing have supported us for three years. Last year, they did an incredible job of coming third and this year they’re in first place. This is in over 900 organisations and some have over 300 members of staff getting involved,” Katherine says.

“The funds raised will go towards vital mental health research that will support all community with their mental health and fund research and education.”