Birmingham-based quality management services provider, G&P, has kicked off a year of fundraising on behalf of the mental health charity, Mind, with the ambition of raising more than £5,000 for the organisation during 2024.

The first fundraising effort involves 22 G&P employees who have all pledged to walk, run or cycle 58 miles each during the month of February. All proceeds raised during the challenge will be donated to Mind.

As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, G&P has revolutionised the way it raises funds for charities. A newly formed team of seven volunteers are now responsible for managing events throughout the year, with all proceeds going to the one central charity that was selected via an all-employee vote. It is hoped that the new approach will encourage even more of G&P’s 1,000 strong workforce around the world to engage and support the chosen charity.

Ian O’Reilly, Head of Community & Events Fundraising at Mind, said: “We are really grateful to G&P for choosing to support Mind as their chosen charity of the year, and we wish them well.

“It continues to be a challenging time and many of us will be feeling the impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis on our mental health and wellbeing, especially for those of us with existing mental health problems. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and it’s so important that no one has to face this alone.

“Every donation that Mind receives allows us to campaign to improve services and provide information and support. This includes through services such as the Mind Infoline, legal line and our online peer support community for adults, Side by Side, so we can be there for as many people who need us as possible.”

As well as the initial February 58 mile challenge, G&P already is already planning several other events and fundraising activities for the year including a charity football match, a sports day and a head office day.

“It is fantastic to see such a level of enthusiasm and support for our rejuvenated charity efforts,” comments Dino Kyriacou, CEO, G&P. “The team at G&P have always been very generous and kind-hearted and this new approach reflects this. I know that some of those taking part have their own very touching and personal reasons for supporting Mind, so I am pleased that the company can do what it can to make a difference.”

Anyone wishing to donate to G&P’s fundraising efforts can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/page/gandpltd-1706095979152. Meanwhile to find out more about the work carried out by Mind, visit www.mind.org.uk.