Hundreds of employees have taken part in alternative fundraisers, culminating in a km for cash challenge that helped to contribute to the overall target.
Over the past 12 months, through fundraising activities, the Aztec Group has raised more than £100,000 for a number of local charities selected by employees. COVID-safe activities included walks, runs and swims, as well as Christmas-themed events. They culminated in a km for cash Strava challenge that encouraged people to get active while donating funds and raised £25,000. The money raised will go to local charities including:
- Guernsey: The Guernsey Bereavement Service, Mind Guernsey, Safer
- Jersey: Mind Jersey, JAYF, Silkworth Lodge
- London: The Brain Tumour Charity
- Luxembourg and The Netherlands: Le Amis de la Communauté, Foundation Kriibskrank Kanner, WaterAid
- Southampton: Mind, Autism Hampshire
Aztec Group CEO, Edward Moore, said:
“The pandemic’s significantly impacted charities’ fundraising efforts and we have seen first-hand the drop in our usual charity support requests from employees, as face-to-face activities haven’t been possible. Our employees have had to think creatively about how to support the charities they hold dear to their hearts, in a primarily virtual setting.”
From dress for your day contributions to doubling the hour’s salary donations generously given by employees at Christmas, everyone across the Aztec Group has contributed to the fundraising effort. The charitable activities culminated in a km for cash scheme, whereby a pound was donated for each and every km an employee walked, ran, cycled or swam.
Commenting on the initiative, Edward, said:
“The km for cash initiative has not only united our offices but also encouraged employees to focus on their wellbeing and keep active. Our employees covered more than 25,000km in a matter of weeks, all of which has been turned into hard-earned donations to their chosen charities.”
All of the charities chosen were nominated and voted for by the Aztec Group’s employees, with the different branches of mental health charity, Mind, being nominated in three locations.
Trainee Fund Administrator, Kirsty Dempster in the Guernsey office said:
“Looking after our mental health is more important than ever during lockdown. Many people have been isolated from their friends, family and support networks. Mind is a charity that’s important to me and my family and provides invaluable support and advice – it really is a lifeline for many people in our community.”
Fundraising activities will continue throughout the year and will remain a hybrid of virtual and hopefully face-to-face as restrictions ease, as the Aztec Group safely reconnects its teams, offices and communities.
Published March 2021