R U OK? has been bringing Australians together since 2009, encouraging discussion, awareness and action around mental health and suicide prevention. Each year on September 13, the charity asks communities, businesses and individuals to ask a question we often avoid: are you okay?
The Soda Factory is answering that call with a program of wellness events where Sydneysiders can find some mental refuge and start these kind of conversations. They’ll be opening their doors early with a half-hour meditation session from 4.45pm, followed by a 45-minute yoga class from 5.15pm.
But the real drawcard is, of course, the puppies. There will be rescue pooches ready for pats from 6-7pm, and if you fall in love on the night, you can take one home – they’re all up for adoption.
Then after puppy bedtime, keep the therapeutic evening going with the Soda Factory’s regular Thursday night shenanigans. It’s all free entry, and you can snatch up $5 burgers, cocktails for $12 and dance out your feelings with more than six hours of groovy DJ tunes. There’s plenty of incentive to order more rounds and salty snacks for the table, as the bar will match every purchase with a gold coin donation to R U OK?
All of the evening's activities are accessible by donation to the fundraising effort, but you’ll want to register ahead of time to reserve a spot. Puppies always bring in the crowds.
If you can’t make it on the night but would like to contribute to the worthy cause, you can donate here.
