The ripple effect

Year 12 student Lilly Biernhoff has always wanted to give back to her community. 

One particular act of selflessness had been on her mind since she was 11 years old: shaving her head for Shave for a Cure.

Lilly says the experience had a profound impact on her and solidified her passion for giving back.

‘The experience was truly empowering and deeply personal, and I am so proud of this small act compared to what those with cancer are suffering.’

Lilly’s passion for giving back didn’t stop there. She’s since taken on the Push-Up Challenge to increase awareness, engagement and raise funds for mental

health.

‘When it comes to promoting good mental health, sometimes we all need a little push,’ Lilly said.

Lilly gained the support of Fairholme College staff and her fellow students, who quickly supported the concept.

Each day, participants complete their push-ups while learning about mental health, with the number of push-ups changing daily to reflect a vital mental health statistic.

‘The goal is to do 3144 push-ups or star jumps from 1 June to 23 June,’ she said.

‘It’s a big goal, but that’s because it’s the number of people who sadly committed suicide in 2021.’

While Lilly deserves a well-earned rest these holidays, she says the journey of giving back has only just begun.

‘I want to continue seeking opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.’