What is Ski For Life?

​

Imagine a long weekend in South Australia where teams from across the country come together to waterski an incredible 456km stretch of the Murray River from Murray Bridge to Renmark - All within just three days!

 

Along the way there’s delicious food, camping under the stars, epic fun (and yes, some spectacular wipeouts!), water fights, sing-alongs, heartfelt conversations and a shared sense of purpose.

What drives us? To waterski this vast distance to raise awareness about mental health and suicide, shedding light on this urgent issue with the hope of preventing its widespread impact on our loved ones and communities everywhere.

​

But the thing is...

​

We’re tackling a challenge far greater than the 456km we ski, beyond the 300 passionate people involved and much bigger than just three days a year.

 

Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts don’t discriminate, and they rarely take a break.

​

And here’s what we’re doing about it!! 

​

The Ski For Life weekend is an annual event now being run for over a decade, but we know our impact needs to be consistent and long-lasting.

Your donation will support our grant process that is open all year round for individuals and communities to apply for in order to receive funds that will allow their project and/or event come to life.

​

We've sent motivational speakers to Western NSW to help the drought-stricken farmers who are at their wit's end and funded events across numerous communities in times of need where the stress of situations can act as a burden too big to bear in order to show that people are not alone. We are open to supporting and funding any initiative that strives to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention and it is your donation that will make that possible.

​

Ski for Life Inc is a dedicated community united in raising awareness and promoting mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention.

Our members bring compassion and empathy to those affected by suicide along with a deep passion and commitment to changing the alarming statistics we face today.

.​

Funds raised through our events help support a range of programs and projects that align with our mission, all made possible through the Ski For Life Grants Program.

​

Thinking big in 2013, the initial small group developed the concept of a 500km Ski Relay.  The Murray River was duly chosen as it is the life blood of SA, along the shores of which many rural communities are doing it tough. Evidence of above average suicide and mental health issues supported the choice.

​

Local business and Service groups within these communities, and many others, are very generously supporting this event. It is this support that is ensuring its continuance into the future.

​

We are excited to announce that StandBy Support After Suicide, a program of AnglicareSA will continue their invaluable support and be with us throughout all of our events.

​

The Standby Team responds to families, friends and associates who have been bereaved through suicide. People grieve in very different ways and StandBy can provide support and assistance whether it be immediately, weeks, months or years later.  They will be a valuable support to communities throughout the events and to members of the ski and road crews.  Standby provides services throughout all of Country South Australia signifying a perfect collaboration for Ski for Life Inc‘s support of rural communities.

​

To all the businesses, service groups, schools and sporting committees already standing with us - Thank you. Your support means the world and it's proof that together we truly can make a difference.

​

If you’d like to learn more or are interested in supporting us through donations or in-kind contributions we’d love to hear from you!

 

​

Please feel free to reach out to us anytime via our contact page.