ANIMAL health company Zoetis is giving back to rural communities with $5 from each sale of livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches donated to beyondblue.
In the past two years they have raised $200,000, and plan to raise another $100,000 between August 1 and October 31.
The money raised goes directly to the beyondblue Support Service providing advice and support for people 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The Support Service is there for people day and night – via phone, web chat or email – whenever they need someone to talk to,” beyondblue chief executive officer Georgie Harman said.
“It is a free, potentially life-changing service for many people, especially those who don’t have friends, family members or support services close by.
“It is entirely funded by generous donations from the community and amazing partners like Zoetis and demand grows year on year.
“The reality is there are twice as many suicides in remote areas compared to urban areas.”
The beyondblue service costs an average $48 per contact and people can reach out to counsellors by phone, webchat or email.
Zoetis staff travel more than 2 million kilometres each year to Australia’s most remote locations supporting farmers, agricultural stores and veterinarians with needed animal health supplies.
“We are very passionate about improving mental health in rural areas – and we are proud to once again partner with beyondblue to tackle these very real issues affecting rural communities and farmers,” Zoetis Australian and New Zealand vice president Lance Williams said.
“Despite the overall state of the Australian agricultural industry being quite favourable, the country’s mental health is still a major issue in these areas. So, we want to thank people in advance for supporting this cause and our drive to help those in need.”
More than 1m people in Australia experience depression and more than 2mn are living with an anxiety condition.
- Details: Mental health professionals are available 24/7 at the beyondblue Support Service – 1300 22 4636 – or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am ADST) or email (within 24 hours).
