Cyberbullying victim Amy 'Dolly' Everett was just 14 years old when she tragically took her own life. In the eight years since losing their beloved daughter, Dolly's parents, Kate and Tick Everett, have transformed their heartbreak into a national movement.
The Birth of Dolly's Dream
Dolly's Dream was established to help stamp out bullying across Australia. Since its inception, the organisation has grown to deliver anti-bullying workshops, support hotlines, cyber safety apps, and a range of other resources to some of the country's most vulnerable individuals.
Do It For Dolly Day
From this initiative, the annual fundraising event known as Do It For Dolly Day was born. Held every May, the event sees more than 2,000 schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, community groups, and individuals register to wear blue and raise funds for critical bullying support services.
This year, Do It For Dolly Day set out with its most ambitious fundraising goal yet and has so far raised over $1 million of its $2 million target.
'Eight years on, the love Australians have shown for Dolly and for our cause never ceases to move us,' Dolly's mother Kate said. 'Every single dollar goes straight to making sure the many thousands of kids and families impacted by bullying right now across Australia know they are not alone.'
Support Services and Impact
The funds raised will be used to address the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide through education and support services. 'Bullying doesn't stop at the school gate; it follows young people via their phones into their bedrooms and into their sleep,' said Sally Sweeney, Head of Dolly's Dream. 'That's why Do It For Dolly Day and the funds we raise today matter so much.'
If you or a young person you know is struggling with bullying, please call 13 DOLLY on 13 36 55 or use the webchat through the Dolly's Dream website. For kids and teens, it is available 24/7.
Donations are still open for Do It For Dolly Day. If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression, contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional, or someone you trust.
