This year the Breakout for Ben fundraising challenge has been opened up to the whole automotive industry to help Ben plug a £1 million fundraising gap, following a 50% increase in service demand.
The fundraiser was first launched in 2018 by TrustFord Chairman and CEO, Stuart Foulds, when teams raised a total of £112,000 for Ben.
In late 2019 members of the TrustFord family once again embarked on the Breakout For Ben challenge, collectively driving over 20,000 miles and raising over £116,000 for Ben.
This year, supported by the TrustFord Board and Leadership, 277 TrustFord colleagues and supply partners from around the UK participated in Ben’s new active virtual challenge, Breakout for Ben – Road to £1 Million and have raised £55,000 towards the event. The sum comes on top of the £20,000 donation from the TrustFord Trust to Charity Partner Ben in 2020, in response to their urgent plea for assistance following a challenging year. This means that over the past three years TrustFord has contributed over £300k to the charity.
Remote teams of up to 10 colleagues set off on 5 February 2021 and their challenge was to embark on a ‘virtual journey’ totalling 1,722 miles. ‘Visiting’ motor circuits across the UK, the teams started at Pembrey Circuit in North Wales, before ending at Silverstone over a 10-day period. Using an app, teams were able to track their progress together meaning they didn’t need to be physically together with other team members during the challenge.
As well as creating healthy competition between automotive companies, Breakout For Ben – Road to £1 Million was a positive way to kick-start the New Year by focusing on health, fitness and wellbeing of colleagues. Teams were also competing for a range of awards, including ‘Furthest individual on bike which was won by General Manager, Chris Minter, who travelled 1,042 miles, while Audit and Risk Manager, Richard Brown, took the first place podium for furthest individual running, with a staggering 200.9miles. Finally Dealership Secretary, Sandie Horne, topped the ranks for walking an impressive 232.5 miles.
Stuart Foulds, Chairman and Chief Executive of TrustFord, said: “Ben is a hugely important charity that has helped thousands of colleagues over the years, and with their fundraising sadly taking a hit, we are proud to support Breakout For Ben – Road to £1 million. All funds raised will support automotive industry people to look after their mental health, physical health and wellbeing.
“I am immensely proud of the way our remote colleagues and teams have come together virtually, behind the cause this year, and uniting with our suppliers once again provides a great boost.”
