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The Great Skate

MEDIA RELEASE
December 2023

PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTER TO ROLLERBLADE 100KM TO RAISE FUNDS FOR WOMEN’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE

A professional firefighter will rollerblade an incredible 100km from Melbourne to raise funds for Mettle Woman – a non-profit social enterprise that supports women who experience homelessness as a result of domestic and family violence.

Senior Leading Firefighter Mick Penny, who’s been in the service for 12 years and is currently stationed in Croydon, chose the cause as one he is passionate about and close to his heart.

“I’ve had family members who’ve been impacted by domestic violence, and I wanted to do something for them and other women who also find themselves in similar situations”

“Mettle Women is an incredible non-profit social enterprise that employs, trains and financially empowers women experiencing homelessness as a result of domestic and family violence. They provide safe paid work, scholarships, crisis funds, childcare subsidies and survivor-designed support programs, all of which are invaluable in supporting women who experience family and domestic violence. Another firefighter charity was able to donate $1,000 to Mettle Women, and after I saw their CEO Bronwyn Bate speak at an event, I was inspired to do more”.

Mr Penny decided to combine his passion for rollerblading with his passion for supporting women experiencing domestic violence. “I took up rollerblading as a sport many years ago after some knee injuries, and I love playing inline hockey. But the truth is, I’ve never attempted skating 100km in one day before, so I’m looking forward to the challenge. Every dollar raised will go to Mettle Women as they support women experiencing domestic and family violence, so please dig deep. Any support is greatly
appreciated.”

Mick will begin his 100km ‘Great Skate’ at The Family Violence Memorial, corner of St Andrews Place and Landsdowne and skate to [insert destination] on 24 February, 2024.

Media Contact: Darren Rodrigo 0414 783 405

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