UnLtd
More than 50 swimmers from the advertising industry collectively swam 777 kms to raise funds for batyr, a preventative mental health charity for young people, by young people.
Together, the swimmers across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA raised more than $32,000 for batyr’s mission to create a world where all young people live mentally healthy and fulfilling lives.
All the funds raised will go towards batyr’s life-changing preventative mental health programs in high schools and universities across the country.
UnLtd brought the industry together for a simple challenge - to swim as many kilometers as possible in February for batyr’s Splash the Stigma campaign.
Fifty-three took part with Motio, NOVA Entertainment, Special Group, UM and Val Morgan Outdoor even signing up entire swim teams to take part in the annual challenge.
The teams raising the most funds were UnLtd QLD, Val Morgan Outdoor and NOVA Entertainment Melbourne.
The winner for the longest distance swum by an individual was Ingrid Elgar from Scentre Group, exceeding an impressive 57km.
The biggest fundraiser was Amanda Cooper from Val Morgan Outdoor, who single-handedly raised over $3.6K.
UnLtd account director Emily Long said the team loved seeing the whole industry come together in February to swim, fundraise and drive awareness of batyr and their life-changing work.
"The industry continues to raise the bar with their support of Splash the Stigma, increasing their donations in 2025 to help deliver more preventative youth mental health programs in high schools and universities across Australia," Long said.
"A huge thanks to all the media agencies and owners that participated - we couldn't do this without you."
The initiative was supported with pro-bono media inventory from ACM and NOVA Entertainment to help promote the annual Splash the Stigma challenge.
batyr director of marketing and fundraising Jenya Holland said the brand is incredibly grateful to everyone who donned their Budgy Smugglers and joined to Splash the Stigma!
"The support from the media industry has been truly invaluable," Holland said.
"Thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts from the industry and our community, we will be able to deliver life-saving preventative mental health education programs to over 3163 students - helping them to take charge of their mental wellbeing early and often, and feel empowered to reach out when they need support.
"A huge thanks to everyone who jumped in the pool for us or donated.”
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