Ben is hoping to raise an additional £500,000 from its newly-launched Christmas Appeal.
Demands on the automotive charity have never been greater with a 147% increase in request for support during 2021, but many of this year’s fundraising events having had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
The charity is now turning to the industry 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: “Twelve months ago, things were looking desperate. More people than ever contacted Ben for support, and we faced the terrible prospect of turning individuals away if we were unable to raise more money. We were so humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of our industry, with businesses of all sizes pledging donations totalling £600,000 in just a few short weeks. Without that support we would not have been able to support people when Ben was their last or only hope.
However, 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 wellbeing 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.”
Anyone wishing to support the charity should email pledge@ben.org.uk.
