Big-hearted supermarket workers in Salford have raised thousands of pounds for a mental health charity by taking part in a thrilling dragon boat race, holding a quiz night and running a raffle.
Marks & Spencer’s Salford Quays Support Centre team came together over 10 days from 4-13 June to raise over £3,000 for YoungMinds.
As part of their fundraising efforts, 12 colleagues took to the water for Salford’s Dragon Boat Race on the Quays.
Their boat race raised £1,491, with colleague Lorna Jepson going above and beyond to raise an outstanding £501 individually.
The efforts were part of M&S’ Big Fun-Raiser for YoungMinds, an initiative aimed at raising funds to support young people, their parents and carers.
The team were delighted to be cheered on by YoungMinds representatives at the waterside, including Major Partnerships Lead Kerry Unseld and Partnerships Executive Asmida Hyseni.
“A huge thank you to everyone from M&S Salford Quays Support Centre who took part in the event,” said Kerry Unseld, Major Partnerships Lead at YoungMinds.
“Their brilliant fundraising efforts will help support our work, including our Parents Helpline and online information, so we can be there for parents and carers and the young people in their lives, at a time when more young people than ever are struggling with their mental health.”
YoungMinds provides support and advice for young people across the UK, and its free parents helpline (0808 802 5544) offers tailored and confidential information, advice and support to parents and carers concerned about their child or young person’s mental health.
Nearly 14,000 parents and carers contacted the helpline for support last year and anxiety, difficulties at school and anger or aggression were among the top concerns young people were struggling with.
Alongside the boat race, the 10-day fundraising campaign by M&S colleagues saw teams organise and take part in a range of activities. From a quiz night, raffle, and tombola to a tuck shop and football sweepstake.
Amy Travis, Engagement Colleague at M&S Salford Quays Support Centre, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the 10 days.
“The energy, enthusiasm and support from colleagues have been amazing, and it’s been so special to see everyone come together for such an important cause. From fundraising activities to taking on the dragon boat race, it’s been a truly memorable experience – and knowing we’ve raised over £3,000 to support young people’s mental health makes it even more meaningful.”
More information about the campaign raising funds for YoungMinds is available here.
