Four inspiring Williamstown locals completed a 10-day interstate run for mental health awareness on Sunday, May 28.
On Thursday, May 18, the Holla Foundation runners began their trek starting at Bondi Beach, aiming to run 100KM per day to make it to Williamstown.
The Holla Foundation is a not-for-profit mental health charity which hopes to fund mental health outreach services across schools, communities, workplaces and sporting clubs with the money raised from the run.
The boys have currently raised $69,000 out of an $80,000 goal which they said was a crazy way to raise the money.
Dylan Conway, one of the founders of Holla Foundation, said its all about raising awareness and starting conversations.
“We are hoping to bring conversation and connections to the community and around Australia to help others understand the importance of mental health,” he said.
Dylan Conway, Jake Plakakis, Dan Snowden and Kevin Bonnar underwent an 18 week prep, eventually running up to 150KM per week.
Two of the four, Mr Snowden and Mr Plakakis are two of the other founders of the Holla Foundation.
While Mr Bonnar is a member of The Performance Club gym in Williamstown which Mr Conway also owns.
Mr Conway said they hope to highlight the strength that can be found through vulnerability by giving a friend or family member a Holla.
Each day brought new conversations to light which Mr Conway said was extremely challenging but simultaneously rewarding.
“We spoke to so many locals through small country towns, so many people felt comfortable having vulnerable conversations with us,” he said.
On Friday, June 2 at Williamstown high school the Holla Foundation is hosting a free event called ‘Vulnerable conversations’ featuring a number of guest speakers.
Details: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1028759?eid=1028759&
Jennifer Pittorino
