Two Bath youth charities are inviting businesses based in the area to get involved in a new outdoor fundraising challenge.
The Big BaNES 100k runs until 27 September to support life-changing young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing services delivered by Mentoring Plus and Off The Record Bath & North East Somerset.
The challenge invites fundraisers to ‘walk, run, cycle, swim, skate, kayak or do it your way’ to reach the 100km milestone.
Organisers describe it as a “flexible and nature-based fundraiser” and a perfect corporate challenge for the summer as employees can combine any number of outdoor activities and choose to team-up or relay their way to the finish line.
Off The Record development manager James Brown said he was keen for as many local businesses to get their employees involved in what is a unique fundraising opportunity.
“With their help, The Big BaNES 100k will raise vital funds for Mentoring Plus and Off The Record, and also raise awareness of the mental health services available for young people in Bath & North East Somerset,” he added.
“If your business wants to make a positive impact and boost employee wellbeing over the summer, The Big BaNES 100k is the perfect challenge to get stuck into.
“Design a 100k challenge to suit your team, and why not build it into your working week.”
The challenge has been launched in collaboration with Dot Project and Tech for Good South West co-founder Annie Legge’s Bath 5k Map, which offers inspiration for how and where to get those steps, sprints or cycles.
It has already raised more than £5,000 for Mentoring Plus and Off The Record.
Annie said she was thrilled to see the challenge come to life and for the opportunity to raise vital funding to support the work of Mentoring Plus and Off the Record.
“Promoting access for our communities to the beautiful rivers, paths, parks and countryside around us in Bath is at the heart of The Bath 5k Map and what better way to bring this challenge and get people exploring,” she added.
Mentoring Plus CEO Ruth Keily said with access to support for mental health and wellbeing an increasing challenge for young people, every pound raised during The Big BaNES 100k would make a difference.
“The Big BaNES 100k offers everyone in our community a chance to get behind a generation of young people who have been heavily impacted by lockdowns and cuts to vital mental health support services,” she added.
“Right now, in Bath & North East Somerset, schools, statutory services and mental health support are under immense pressure, leaving many young people nowhere to turn.
“But, with the help of local businesses, we can give young people the inspiration and support they need to feel safe, heard and hopeful for their future.”
Individuals and organisations looking to take part in The Big BaNES 100k, can sign up by visiting https://bit.ly/the-big-banes-100k
Pictured below: Young people join Mentoring Plus, Off The Record, The Bath 5k Map, Bathscape and Bath College to launch The Big BaNES 100k. Photo by Roy Newport
