Survivors of Suicide and Friends was the beneficiary of a $6000 donation from the Carlo Villani-inspired fund.

Founder Annette Baker was grateful for the work put in by Villani and his team, which included staging a charity soccer match and mental health function.

“To receive this sort of money enables us to do the Winter Solstice free to the community,” Baker said.

“As it grows, our speakers are starting to cost us more because they’re high-profile, but they also have the messages that are important for people going through mental health issues and particularly the people surviving.”

Villani paid tribute to Baker, Simon Randall, Stephen Chaffey and all those who helped sponsor the cause.

“It’s local money going to a local charity,” Randall added.

“Survivors of Suicide and Friends is non-government funded and this money will stay in Albury-Wodonga.”