GENERAL PARTICIPANT FAQs
What is Pie in the Face for PTSD?
Pie in the Face for PTSD is a fun and messy awareness and fundraising campaign to support the mental health of emergency service workers. Participants raise money, then celebrate by smashing a pie in their (or someone else's) face – all in the name of a serious cause. Smashing the stigma of Emergency Service PTSD one pie at a time.
Who is the campaign supporting?
All funds raised go to Emerge & See, a not-for-profit peer led charity supporting current and former emergency service workers and volunteers through PTSD and mental health challenges.
How can I get involved
There are plenty of ways to get involved in PIE4PTSD — whether you want to wear the pie, host an event, back your state or simply support the cause.
SELF NOMINATE
SET it. RAISE it. SMASH it.
Register for the challenge, set your fundraising bounty and share it with your friends, family and community.
Once you hit your target… smash the pie.
CHALLENGE
Face-to-face. Rival vs Rival.
Challenge your mate, boss, partner, coach or ultimate nemesis.
Set your fundraising bounties and race to hit your goal first.
Whoever gets there first stays clean.
The loser gets pied.
PIE OF ORIGIN
Wally vs MG. Maroons vs Blues.
Vote for Queensland or New South Wales and back your side in the ultimate rivalry.
Follow the live leaderboard and watch Wally Lewis and Mark Geyer battle to become the inaugural Pie of Origin Champion.
One wins.
One wears the pie.
HOST
Bring your people together.
Host a Pie Day at your:
- workplace
- sporting club
- school
- home
- community group
Serve sweet and savoury pies and encourage guests to donate to your fundraising page.
CREATE & DONATE
Turn pies into purpose.
Own a cafe, bakery, pie shop or patisserie?
Create a PIE4PTSD pie or special item during the campaign and donate:
- profits, or
- $1–$2 per pie sold
Small pies. Big impact.
No mess? No worries.
You can still support the campaign by:
- donating
- voting
- attending a Pie Day
- sponsoring a participant
- sharing the campaign online
Every action helps smash the stigma of Emergency Service PTSD.
When is the campaign running?
The campaign runs from 27 May to 27 June, but participants can join, pie and host anytime during this period.
What type of pie should I use?
We suggest a whipped cream or shaving cream pie on your participant plate, soft, safe, and classic. Avoid hard or allergenic ingredients.
Can I participate even if I’m not in emergency services?
Absolutely! This campaign is open to everyone – individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and community groups.
Do I have to record my pie smash?
We highly encourage it! Sharing your video raises awareness and spreads the message. Don’t forget to tag us and use #SetItRaiseItSmashIt #PieInTheFaceForPTSD #PIE4PTSD #PieofOrigin #Neverjustanumber #EmergeAndSee #EmergencyServices
Is there a fundraising target?
There’s no set amount, but we recommend aiming for at least $150–$500 for individuals and $500-$5000 for workplaces and community groups. Every dollar helps!
Every participant who raised $500 or more goes into the draw to win the 2 x VIP State of Origin III tickets and $500 flight gift card.
Where does the money go?
Your donations support Emerge & See’s services including, recovery programs, connection, guidance, well-being activities and peer support for emergency service personnel, serving and retired. All donations of $100 or more go into the draw to win the 2 x VIP State of Origin III tickets and $500 flight gift card.
Where can I get help with my page or donation?
Contact us at: impact@emergeandsee.org.au
WORKPLACE & TEAM PARTICIPANT FAQs
Can my workplace or organisation take part?
Yes! Workplaces are encouraged to register as teams, challenge departments, and pie executives or team leaders to drive donations.
How do we register as a team?
One person can create a team page during registration and invite colleagues to join. Everyone’s efforts count towards a shared team goal.
What are some ideas for workplace participation?
- Host a “Pie Day” event in the office.
- Nominate leaders or popular staff to get pied when donation milestones are hit.
- Run interdepartmental challenges for fundraising.
Can our workplace match donations?
Yes – workplace matching is a fantastic way to double your impact. Ask your employer if they can match employee contributions.
How do we get promotional materials?
We provide logos, posters, and social media graphics in the Participant Toolkit. For custom materials, email us at impact@emergeandsee.org.au.
Are there safety or hygiene guidelines for workplace pies?
Yes, use soft pies (like whipped cream or shaving cream) and avoid allergens. If indoors, lay down plastic or use an outdoor area and use your Pie ‘face cut out’ shield you receive in your participation pack. Always get consent before pieing someone!
