Big Blog Post #7
We’re a number of weeks into lockdown and you would’ve thought that, by now, the countless emails urging us to spend money on ‘today’s special offer’ may have ceased. Sadly, this isn’t the case.
If you’re like me, you’re thoroughly sick and tired of having to spend time each day going through your inbox repeatedly hitting the delete button.
When most of us are currently experiencing some sort of financial stress, being pestered to spend money unnecessarily doesn’t help.
Do these brands not realise the damage they’re doing to themselves with this sort of behaviour? Clearly not!
Last night I saw a true Aussie brand doing something good, something positive and something that has the real chance of making a difference.
Vegemite have donated a 30 second TV ad to Lifeline – because every 30 seconds someone in crisis calls Lifeline. Vegemite wants the phones to be answered.
I’ve since found out that there are a lot of other ‘dinkum’ Aussie brands who have done the same such as Westpac, Bunnings, Woolworths, Officeworks, Uncle Toby’s and many more – as part of Lifeline’s ‘30 Seconds To Save a Life’ campaign.
We’re all going through an incredibly challenging time right now. We’re juggling working from home – or dealing with lack of work. Many of us have become part time teachers. Some of us have stepped up to be part-time carers for elderly of disabled family members or neighbours.
We’re all trying our best to stay positive. Sometimes it’s not that easy.
Right now, more than ever, it’s important that we all do whatever we can – no matter how big or small – to be there when someone needs us.
Today I am reminded of the impact that not reaching out for help can have. Today is the anniversary of my cousin’s death.
She took her own life many years ago, when she was just 18.
Kristin would have turned 50 this year.
While I can’t say that I now think of Kris every single day, the impact of her death has had a profound effect on me as a person.
During this time of crisis, I know that being there for others and being ‘present’ is more important than it has ever been before.
So, thank you to Vegemite, for being a True Blue Aussie brand. Thank you for embodying the spirit of the ANZACs. Thank you for making it possible for someone to be on the end of the phone when someone else really needs to talk.
Thank you Lifeline – for making being there for anyone who’s finding it hard right now.
I encourage anyone reading this blog post to take the time to spread their arms wide – make that phone-call to a friend or family member today to check in and say Hi. And make sure you’ve always got some Vegemite in the pantry!
RIP Kris. You’re missed and never forgotten.
If you or someone you care about needs support, please contact:
Lifeline 13 11 14