Blanche Bar donates almost $4k to suicide prevention

The Karratha City Markets returned on Saturday, with the presentation of a cheque from Blanche Bar to Mission Australia the highlight of the night.

Blanche Bar owner Bart Parsons was deeply affected by the recent spike in suicides in the Pilbara and donated $2 from every main meal sold at the restaurant in February to the local service provider.

Mr Parsons said some of those who had taken their own lives were friends or had frequented the restaurant and bar he has operated in the town since 2012.

“Everyone I know has been impacted in some way by the recent deaths,” he said. “

It’s been a really tough time for the town and I just thought I’d like to help out in some small way.”

Blanche Bar raised just over $3700 during the fundraiser and wanted the money to go to an organisation that worked in the area of suicide and mental health.

Mission Australia Pilbara area manager Maggie Jenkins said suicide had a profound effect on regional communities such as Karratha.

“We would like to thank Bart and the Blanche Bar staff for their efforts in raising both money and awareness of the issue,” she said.

“It’s a great example of a regional community coming together to try and support those who may be going through tough times.”