Whyte & Mackay staff raise more than £100k for mental health charities

Staff at Glasgow-based Whyte & Mackay have completed a mammoth virtual adventure in aid of mental health charities.

A team of 200 employees at the spirits brand walked, ran, rowed or cycled as part of the charity challenge, aiming to tot up enough miles to go around the world twice - but they managed to double their target, clocking up 50,000 miles.

In total, the team - who were inspired by NHS fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore - raised £114,841 for mental health charities around the world. Staff based in Canada, the USA, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the UAE, South Africa, France, Germany, Spain and Russia took part alongside UK-based colleagues. 

Nick Garland of Whyte & Mackay said: "We're incredibly proud of the team and pleased with the total fundraising figure from Whyte & Mackay Cares. The challenge came about as a way to bring the team together virtually and encourage people to stay physically and mentally healthy during a very uncertain time."

Jo Anderson, director of external affairs at the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), one of the beneficiaries, said: "Lockdown and beyond has been such a difficult time for most, and for many people it has exacerbated challenges that they were already facing. 

"We'd like to thank Whyte & Mackay for their incredible fundraising efforts; they will really help us to continue to provide support to those in our communities who need it." 

SAMH has a dedicated coronavirus mental health information hub which can be found at www.samh.org.uk/coronavirus.

12 October 2020 - Bethany Whymark