Sunshine Coast not for-profit group Teens Take Control are running their second annual major raffle with two sea doo jet skis up for grabs valued at $21,000, and are hoping to raise more than $50,000 to keep their program for at-risk youths going in the local community. 

Established in 2013 Teens Take Control (TTC) works with at-risk youths to equip them with a sense of self, awareness of others and a sense of community. To date they have assisted over 500 young teens and their families to become better, productive members of the community.

“By engaging with the young person and addressing the needs they may have, we integrate crucial life and social skills that empower the young person to move further,” says the founder of the not for profit organization, Brenden Wilkins.

As a non government funded organisation, TTC relies on community support to sustain its financial commitments and to date has been largely propped up by the generosity of Brenden Wilkins, who also owns Core Strength Fitness, a gym in Maroochydore, as well as other community grants and corporate donations.

But with his premises being closed periodically due to COVID restrictions since March 2020, now more than ever the organisation is reliant on support from corporate sponsors and its now annual ‘mega raffle’ in the lead up to Christmas.

Up for grabs this year are two Sea-Doo GTR230 Jet Skis valued at $21,500 each including 12 months registration, transfer duty and delivery to anywhere in QLD or NSW. With the raffle due to be drawn at 12pm on 19 November 2021, Wilkins is now calling on the Sunshine Coast to get right behind the fundraiser. Ticket prices are: 1 for $20; 2 for $40; 3 for $55; 5 for $85; 8 for $120 and 10 for $150. Entry is open to residents of New South Wales and Queensland aged 18 years or older. See: https://www.raffletix.com.au/ttcjetskiraffle2021.

“There has never been a more important time to support the young people in our community,” says Wilkins. “The COVID‑19 crisis has turned into a mental health crisis for young people.  Prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression has risen dramatically among young people and remains higher than pre‑crisis levels even with the partial re‑opening of the economy. And that is why programs like Teens Take Control are so important in our community,” he says.

ENDS

For more information about the Teens Take Control program please contact Brenden Wilkins at 1300 273 273, email info@teenstakecontrol.org, or visit Teens Take Control website at https://www.teenstakecontrol.org/

To discuss corporate sponsorship or arrange media interviews or photos contact Yvette Adams on info@www.thecreativecollective.com.au.