The hills are alive with the sound of conversation

The hills will be alive with the sound of conversation and possibly some song, when RUOK? Ambassadors, Commando Steve Willis and Rob Mills, lead a group of walkers to the summit of Mount Kosciusko this weekend to raise funds for suicide prevention.

Conquer Kozi is a partnership between R U OK? and Huma Charity Challenge (the specialist fundraising division of World Expeditions). The 18km return walk from Charlotte’s Pass to the top of Australia’s mountain will take place from 8-10 March 2019.

The annual event has raised more than $117,000 for RUOK? since it was launched in 2017.

Media personality, Commando Steve, who is joining the event for the third year in a row, is urging people to take up the Conquer Kozi challenge for R U OK? in 2020 as excitingly 2019 is already at capacity. Steve is keen to help raise awareness and funds for the suicide prevention charity.

“The funds raised for Conquer Kozi will contribute to new campaigns and resources to reach more Australians who really need it,” Steve said.

“Even to this day I’m dealing with my own issues,” Steve said.

“Life is tough — we all have our own demons and I’m no different to any other human being. Pain, suffering and fear is real, but it’s not unique.

“You might think that someone has the perfect life, but do they? I deal with the same struggles as anybody else and that’s why I chose to become an R U OK? ambassador, to encourage people to connect and check-in with each other when they’re facing tough times.”

This year’s challenge will be singer Rob Mills’ first attempt at walking to the top of Mount Kosciusko but he’s committed to the cause.

"I support R U OK? because I have seen what a difference three little words can make to me, to my friends, and to my extended family,” Rob said.

“Throw in a hug and it’s a recipe for change: A change in attitude towards speaking up about mental health issues. Most of the time I’ve found that a good conversation is all it really takes, and for someone to take the time just to ask… Are you ok?" 

How Conquer Kozi works:

Participants who register for Conquer Kozi aim to raise at least $700 (per person) for R U OK? and then Conquer Kozi by completing the walk to the summit.

Travel costs for Conquer Kozi are affordably priced with the rates for 2020 to be announced mid this year. The fee includes a $200 non-deductible registration fee, two nights multi-share accommodation in comfortable cabins in Jindabyne, return team transfers from Jindabyne to Charlottes Pass for the challenge, challenge t/shirt, expert local guides and support crew, two breakfasts, water, snacks and lunch on the walk and a celebratory BBQ dinner after completing the challenge.

On registering, Huma Charity Challenge provides participants with a link to create their own fundraising page as well as a comprehensive fundraiser’s guidebook.  To hear when Conquer Kozi 2020 registrations are open, sign up to the Huma Charity Challenge newsletter via the website. For the keen participant, expressions of interest can be registered by emailing info@humacharitychallenge.com.au.

Conquer Kozi is organised by Huma Charity Challenge, the specialist fundraising division of World Expeditions which provides travellers with the opportunity to adventure for a cause. In the past five years, Huma Charity Challenge has raised more than $5 million for charities, worldwide.

For more information or to register go to: www.humacharitychallenge.com

For Hi-res images go to: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rhkq6eiqdwncvkw/AABEglbepbGZFM5ebZJ_e9YQa?dl=0

Media contact: Annabel Bowman, R U OK? Media/PR Manager +61 411 084 186 or email annabel@ruok.org.au or email Virginia Haddon at Huma Charity Challenge onvirginia@humacharitychallenge.com.au

RU OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. R U OK? Day is a national day of action, held on the second Thursday of September each year. But every day is the day to start a conversation. Conversation tips and crisis numbers can be found at ruok.org.au.