Australia Post has awarded grants to more than 150 grassroots community and not-for-profit groups across Australia, including local initiative T2KO (It’s Time To Know Osteosarcoma) and the Ardeer Trotters run club.
T2KO was established to raise awareness about osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that can spread to vital organs.
The organisation holds a special place in the heart of its founder Zac Pettit, who lost his best friend to the disease in 2015 at just 19-years-old.
“I got heavily involved with running about three years ago. I found it gave me mental clarity similar to the effects of medication,” he said.
This passion for running led to a close friendship with Brandon, who runs the Ardeer Trotters. The Ardeer Trotters host events in collaboration with Movember to raise awareness for mental health, targeting both men and women. The run club aims to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones, improve their fitness, and connect with others.
“The run club helps people get out of their comfort zones and get their fitness up, it’s all about doing something new and meeting new people,” Zac said.
“While you’re running you can talk to people and get quite vulnerable. When you’re running you don’t have to stare at someone or look them in the eyes, you just run and look ahead. We notice that way people tend to talk more, especially on vulnerable topics, it’s a beautiful thing and we’re super grateful.”
With the grant from Australia Post, T2KO and the Ardeer Trotters plan to hold a charity event focused on osteosarcoma and mental health. The funding will be used to organise a community barbecue, event signage, and marketing materials, as well as potentially create merchandise to spread awareness within the run club.
Hannah Hammoud
