DGR doubles its commitment to funding men’s mental-health programs

ADV News
August 10, 2017

This entry is part 296 of 321 in the series Adventure Rider Issue #1

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Globally renowned Australian based charity event, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, has doubled its commitment to aid the funding of men’s mental health programs. This decision was made by Sydneysider, Mark Hawa after a volunteer event host took his own life.

In partnership with the Movember Foundation, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is continuing to commit 80 per cent of total funds raised to prostate cancer research, with the remainder to go towards men’s mental health programs.

Over 70,000 dapper men and women in over 600 cities worldwide will ride classic and vintage-styled motorcycles on Sunday, September 24th. On this day, streets across the world – including Sydney, Paris, New York and London – will be humming with the tune of a united front against killers of men.

In Australia, suicide rates are three times higher than that of women. As a result, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is on a mission to raise awareness globally in its crusade to make life better for men everywhere.

“It’s an important year for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. What was already a personal event for many has taken on a new meaning, especially after losing one of our own. We ride this year for the men of the world who struggle with mental health and for the families and individuals whose lives are affected by prostate cancer” — Mark Hawwa.

Founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney Australia, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has raised over USD$8million for charity since 2013. This year, it aims to raise USD$5million and is encouraging Australians to take a moment to consider their fathers, brothers and sons.

“The past five years have seen The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride grow far more than I ever could have imagined – not only in its reach and the number of participants of the ride itself, but in people who have made that decision to get themselves checked. Working with the Movember Foundation has allowed us to target key concerns in men’s health, helping us change the lives of men and helping them to live longer and happier.

“None of this would be made possible if not for the support and unity of Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches. The collective passion of all these brilliant organisations is the fuel to The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, empowering all classic and custom motorcycle riders to bond together and put on the most dashing charity event this world has ever seen.”