Video Transcription

My name is Molly Gbits. I’m from Townsville, and I’ve been a Leo for four years.

When I was younger, I suffered from anxiety and depression, and I didn’t really know what to do about it. It wasn’t until I found swimming and communities like Leo that helped me grow as a person and move out of that space.

During that low point in my life, I didn’t know how to seek help, and I didn’t want someone else to feel that way. So I linked with the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation, an organiSation committed to providing support and services to young people struggling with mental health.

There’s an 8 km ocean water swim from Magnetic Island to Townsville, so I decided to use the swim as a fundraiser for the Wellbeing Foundation.

With support from local Leos and Lions, we created a high-profile acknowledgement of the Wellbeing Foundation and the community work they’re doing, which also helped raise money and get the word out there to help young people.

I was able to do something bigger than me, and it felt electric.

I see myself always being a part of Leos and Lions because it means that I can help people, surround myself with people who also want to help, and stay connected with my community.