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Soldier On’s March On campaign has been recognised for Outstanding Achievement (OAA) in The Australian Charity Awards 2021.
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The OAA has been established to recognise organisations for the exceptional work undertaken through their charitable activities. The Australian Charity Awards is a partner program of The Australian Business Awards.
According to Tara Johnston, Australian Charity Awards program director, the 2021 Australian Charity Awards recognised 10 organisations for their outstanding achievements in successfully managing their various programs, projects and services by meeting their challenges during these difficult times.
"As the world changes, many of these organisations have succeeded by rethinking their community engagement strategies and implementing new business tools, practices and policies to facilitate their operations beyond the physical office," Johnston said.
In response to the devastating statistics of veteran and Defence suicide, Soldier On established the March On challenge. March On is a virtual walking challenge, calling upon Australians to walk 96 kilometres, the length of the Kokoda Trail during the month of March to raise funds to help prevent veteran suicide. The challenge pays tribute to the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers in Kokoda in World War II and highlights the importance of assisting the serving and ex-serving veterans of today.
Soldier On is honoured to receive the award, according to Ivan Slavich, Soldier On CEO, who notes the suicide rate among Australian veterans is simply unacceptable.
"We've proven that our programs are comprehensive and relevant to help our veterans and their families build better futures following their service."
"The challenge now is to expand our services across all areas of the nation where veterans are based but find themselves without support. This requires funding and the demonstrated support of every Australian."
"This is why we are marching on,” Slavich said.
In 2021, more than 6,200 participants, 862 teams and 27 schools took part in the challenge, marching a total of 382,000 kilometres across the globe in unique ways, with some participants even completing their challenge across the ocean floor and mountain peaks.
The campaign received tremendous support from the Australian public, raising more than $1.85 million in support of the veteran community. The funds raised from March On will go directly towards the provision of life-changing support services for contemporary veterans and their family members, including mental health support, employment and education assistance and opportunities for social connection.
Slavich added that Soldier On is thrilled to see the tremendous success of the March On challenge, with more than $1.85 million raised.
"Every dollar raised as part of the March On challenge will go directly to the services that Soldier On provides to our veteran community."
"Soldier On knows what must be done."
"We are putting on more psychologists, more counsellors and offering more social activities to help prevent veteran suicide. We look forward to hosting the event again in 2022,” Slavich said.
Soldier On is Australia’s only national, fully integrated and holistic support services provider for the national service personnel and their families.
Currently reaching more than 6,000 Australian veterans and their families, Soldier On offers support services including a range of mental health and wellbeing services, employment support and education programs, as well as activities focused on connections with family, friends, and the broader community.
[Related: BAE Systems and WithYouWithMe partnership to upskill veterans]
