Yamaha Financial Services Hit Top Gear In Support Of Black Dog Institute

Fundraising Mission For Mental Health

Armed with a fleet of Yamaha YDX-Moro 07 e-MTBs, the energetic crew is proudly supporting Black Dog Institute by spinning pedals and turning cranks throughout March.

The fundraising and team bonding exercise is the brainchild of Nicola Rogheto, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Yamaha Financial Services. Nicola was keen to see his team engage with each other on a new level when they recently met at the company’s Sydney head office for the YMF/YMI Sales & Marketing Get-Together. 

“By utilising Yamaha products, we can create a competitive team atmosphere that not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also benefits a worthwhile cause, personally and corporately,” explains Nicola.

“When you consider the statistics and realise the enormous strain mental illness places not only on individuals and their families but also on work colleagues and the workplace, you begin to understand why the work being undertaken by the Black Dog Institute is of vital importance.”

According to statistics provided by the Black Dog Institute, suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44. A staggering 45 per cent of Australians will experience mental illness at some time, while 60 per cent of those do not seek treatment. From a corporate level, mental illness costs Australian businesses $12 billion each year.

“There has long been a connection between outdoor activities and improving mental health,” Nicola added. “Many Black Dog Institute fundraising events involve recreational activities, and given that Yamaha Motor manufactures products to enjoy the outdoors, the connection makes sense. It’s our corporate social responsibility to support organisations aligned with our sustainable development goals of good health and well-being. More importantly, we need to play our part in reducing the stigma associated with mental health.” 

The month-long fundraising campaign was launched at Lizard Log Park in Western Sydney. Following some free time to enjoy the Yamaha YDX-Moro 07 e-MTB, participants were divided into three groups and provided with their mission: to work as teams and log as many kilometres as possible on the e-MTBs until 28 March. In addition to the all-important bragging rights, each team will raise funds for the Black Dog Institute through sponsorship donations while also increasing awareness of the importance of mental health with every kilometre they ride. 

Representatives from the Black Dog Institute were also on hand at Wylde to wish the three teams the best of luck and provide insight into the work undertaken by the institute to reduce the impact mental illness has on individuals, families, and the workplace.

Tasman Cassim, Head of Partnerships at Black Dog Institute, said he was thrilled to be working with Yamaha Financial Services in our shared commitment to mental health. “Whether personally navigating through such experiences or standing alongside someone who is, the impact of mental illness touches us all,” he said. “It affects everyone, and together, we are excited Yamaha Financial Services is riding for a mentally healthier world. Your support of research and the development of programs that allow us to prevent, detect and manage mental illness goes a long way in building a more compassionate and resilient world.”

Fundraising efforts are now underway with each team launching a dedicated fundraising pages accessible via links or team bios in the sidebar.