ROBB College’s annual charity fundraiser is very close to the hearts of many of its students, and they’re willing to bare more than their souls to raise as much money as they can.
It’s the fourth year the college has produced its annual nude calendar and this year all funds are going to Lifeline for suicide prevention.
The money is in support of 6NIL, a challenge devised by Booroowa siblings Maddie and Will Gay, who lost their father, Tony, to suicide in 2009.
The pair are aiming to climb six mountains in five countries in the space of three months, raising $250,000 for Lifeline along the way.
Calendar co-ordinator Rachel West said many Robb students had a connection to the Gay family so it was a cause close to their hearts.
“Suicide is just such a massive issue in rural areas,” she told The Leader. “But it’s something that doesn’t get discussed enough. We don’t talk about it at the pub, we don’t talk about it over dinner – it flies under the radar in a lot of ways.
“What Maddie and Will are trying to do is start that conversation.”
About 50 students put their hands up for this year’s calendar, shot in Armidale and Walcha earlier this year by fellow students.
There were so many volunteers, that Miss West said they had to turn people away.
But, with the calendar drawing a big following now – it even featured on morning television show Sunrise last year – it seems the opportunity will be there again next year for those who missed out.
Last year’s calendar proceeds went to the Buy a Bale campaign, and this year Miss West is hopeful as much as $25,000 can be passed onto Lifeline.
And keep an eye out for the old black phone that’s in many of the shots. It was bought specially for the occasion as a reminder that help from Lifeline is only ever a phone call away.
Calendars are $25 and can be purchased by emailing robbcharities@gmail.com
