Strathalbyn businesses doing it for Dolly

Strathalbyn businesses will join a national initiative tomorrow in breaking silences around bullying and assisting in suicide prevention.

Dolly’s Dream was created by Kate and Tick Everett, from the Northern Territory, following the shattering loss of their 14-year-old daughter, Dolly, to suicide after ongoing bullying.

Their goal is to change the culture of bullying by addressing its impacts of bullying, including anxiety, depression and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families.

The annual Do it For Dolly Day is an opportunity for communities to come together, spread kindness and spark conversations about bullying and mental health.

The Wistow on High will donate $1 for every coffee sold tomorrow and collect donations, along with other High Street businesses.

Balloons will also be displayed along Strathalbyn’s High Street to spark awareness.

“Everyone is aware of the suicide issues we have around Strath, and I’ve got two young kids, so for me, it’s hitting home,” owner Kelly Townsend said.

“When you see these incidences of young kids – you don’t ever want to be in that position.”

Ms Townsend aims to spark important conversations in local households.

“If people drive down town and there are blue balloons everywhere, then people start asking questions: ‘what’s this about?’,” she said.

“I just think it’s a really important cause… especially in a small town, there are a lot of kids here and there are a lot of families and communities coming in.”

Do it for Dolly Day is tomorrow, May 12, with fundraising at The Wistow on High and Wistow Bakery & Cafe among businesses collecting donations.

Online donations can be made by searching ‘The Wistow on High’ via: (fundraise.dollysdream.org.au).