Ben launches Christmas Appeal
Ben has launched a new Christmas Appeal which aims to raise at least £500,000 to ensure it can support the record numbers of people calling on its services this year.
It has seen a 147% increase in demand for support during 2021 as more people than ever before turn to the charity with issues ranging from mental and physical health to poverty, domestic abuse, homelessness and more.
However, with many of this year’s fundraising events having fallen victim to cancellation, the charity is asking businesses to pledge support for those industry colleagues and their families who may be struggling.
Chief executive Zara Ross said: “While everyone continues to deal with the aftermath of Covid-19, it has been encouraging to see the positive bounce-back enjoyed by much of our industry this year. However, we know that many of our automotive family – the people our industry relies on – are struggling or in crisis as they continue to face life’s toughest challenges.
“I am proud that together, through the pandemic, we have shown that whenever any member of our automotive family is struggling, we all rally to support them. The Christmas Appeal provides a tangible way that organisations can pledge their support and make a tangible difference.”
Ben’s director of partnerships, engagement and income, Matt Wigginton added: “The past few months have seen a significant increase in the number of calls for support. Despite strong business performance being reported, things are not getting better for many in our automotive family. And with the continued cancellation of our fundraising events this year we urgently need to raise at least another £500,000 this Christmas to ensure we can help the growing numbers turning to us for support.”
Health and well-being director, Rachel Clift added: “We hope that we can rely on the industry’s support for this campaign, and that organisations will feel able to make a gift to people in our automotive family who are facing the kind of challenges this Christmas that we hope we will never face ourselves.”
Those wishing to contribute can pledge support by emailing [email protected].
