Mental health is important to everyone. However, sometimes taking the time to maintain our mental health can take a backseat to our busy lives. Being less visible than physical health, taking care of our mental health can begin to fade into the background.
Let’s encourage conversations about mental health to take place frequently in our daily lives. Taking care of our mental health is something we should do everyday, and this extends to looking out for others.
With that in mind, we speak to Chloe, a passionate mental health advocate and first-time fundraiser on Giving.sg. Towards Good Friday, she set up a fundraiser to raise $400 then more than doubled her target, fundraising $951 in total.
We speak to Chloe about her experience, and are reminded that every little act makes a big difference.
Hi Chloe, thank you for fundraising with Giving.sg What was your experience like?
Hello! Actually, this was my very first time fundraising. I find Giving.sg a great platform because it is an easy way for people to donate to the fundraising campaign!
What motivated you to fundraise for mental health?
As I myself am battling depression and anxiety, I truly understand and empathise with the struggles of having confidence in both the personal and professional arenas.
Last April, I succumbed and attempted self harm. My will to live was at its lowest, very close to non-existent. It was not easy to pull myself out of the black hole without my support system that I had surrounding me. I am deeply grateful for my husband and friends, as I would not have made it out without their support.
Thank you for courageously sharing your story, Chloe. May you share why you selected Club Heal?
I believe it is imperative to have organisations like Club HEAL supporting persons with mental health conditions. We are not lost causes that cannot be nursed back to health.
A support system is critical. I appreciate how Club HEAL helps by giving practicable tips and providing emotional support to persons with mental health conditions.
What is your desired impact?
Through fundraising, I hope I can help spread more awareness among friends and family about the challenges surrounding mental health.
I wish to continue this effort of “Chasing Normal” where I contribute to normalising the conversations about mental health.
One can start small, such as starting with our own family, friends and social circles.
How did you decide on your fundraising idea?
Seeing how it was close to Good Friday, I decided to bake Hot Cross Buns!
Despite having more than four different spices in the buns, the right balance of each still resulted in a wonderfully tasty snack!
I wanted to show others how love can be expressed through and to all forms. We can spread joy and reach out to those around us.
How did you reach and surpass your fundraising goal?
I am extremely thankful for the strong support from my colleagues, friends and family members who bought the buns or helped to spread the word in their bid to support us.
I did not even expect to hit the target, let alone exceed it!
What is one tip you have for individual fundraisers?
One important tip is to pour your heart into the fundraiser, and you would definitely hit your target and spread love to everyone!
Find your why and it will see you through any obstacles you may encounter.
What are you passionate about? Start your own fundraising campaign at Giving.sg
