Mr York’s concept saw Macarthur residents offered the chance to place a billboard emblazoned with the message “This is a sign to check in with your mates” on their property.
Then each time a billboard went up York donated $100 to the Movember charity. But in a welcome surprise the concept took off faster than expected.
Almost 100 Macarthur locals volunteered to prominently display York's custom-made billboards on their properties, putting the 35-year-old real estate agent well on his way to achieving his $10,000-for-100 signs goal early in the month. He was also racing to keep up with demand for signs.
By month’s end Chris had shot well past his goal by raising $11,205. Not only that, but his idea also struck a chord with the community, prompting many people to come forward to share their stories and experiences about dealing with their mates going through hard times.
One resident for instance told Chris he was putting up a sign as he had just lost a mate to suicide.
“It’s been so gratifying to see so much enthusiasm around this idea,” says York, who launched his campaign Nov1 with a full-sized billboard outside his Stone Real Estate Macarthur office on Camden Valley Way.
“Growing up with such a large circle of friends from sport, I saw several close friends go through some tough times as well as a lot of other men I’ve met later in life.
“So I really wanted to do something attention-grabbing for Movember with the community because it’s very clear to me just how much power a conversation has to change a life – and I want the signboards to start as many conversations as we can.”
Those interested in erecting a billboard can visit York’s Movember page or call the Stone Real Estate Macarthur office on 02 4655 3000