Hat Day is Australian Rotary Health’s longest running mental health research fundraising event, held on the 10th of October every World Mental Health Day.
It is a day to wear an exciting hat and spread awareness of the 1 in 5 Australians suffering a mental health disorder.
Hat Day began as a fun and easy way for Rotary clubs around Australia to get together to raise money for mental health research through Australian Rotary Health.
Since its fruition more than 10 years ago, Hat Day is now an annual event in every Rotary club’s calendar. A day for all to wear an exciting hat and raise money for the one in five Australians who suffer a mental health disorder every year.
Hat Day events are not just about wearing an exciting hat. Rotary clubs have hosted Hat Day themed raffle nights, murder mystery role playing dinners and even fashion show extravaganzas!
One hundred per cent of Hat Day proceeds go into mental health research. Starting from 2023, Australian Rotary Health will be narrowing its research to the mental health of 0-12-year-olds.
Anywhere you like! The only limitation is your imagination.
Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is Australian Rotary Health’s overarching campaign brand for mental health research.
The campaign, founded by Past ARH Chairman Gregory Ross, started in 2016 in partnership with the Rotary clubs of Victoria. The events were such a success that it has now been extended to all Rotary clubs across Australia.
Each year, approximately one-in-five Australians will experience a mental illness and in order to help future generations of young Australians, we need to look ahead through research and discover how we can prevent this type of illness occurring.
You can support this wonderful initiative by getting involved with HAT DAY – On October 10, World Mental Health Day, you are invited to hold an event and wear your most eye catching hat.