Led by BSS’ managing director Kieran Griffin, the charity event saw BSS colleagues, suppliers and customers rev into action and travel across Europe and back for five days of fundraising in a bid to win the inaugural BSS Car-aoke Challenge trophy.
The 60 volunteers, in 22 cars, started their engines at BSS’ head office in Leicester last week, heading first to Dover and then through France, Switzerland and Italy before arriving back in England five days later.
Whilst travelling across Europe in just five days is no mean feat in itself, as an additional challenge, all those taking part had to use a car worth £1,500 or less, with cars being custom-designed with a karaoke or musical theme.
As well as sticking to the route at all times throughout the journey, each team had to complete a variety of challenges, with penalty points given to those who failed to complete them.
Mr Griffin, said: “Here at BSS, we’re extremely passionate about supporting charitable causes, particularly Mind. We run a diverse programme of fundraising initiatives for the charity across our nationwide branches that involve both our employees and customers. For example, so far this year, we have held raffles, took part in sponsored sky dives and two colleagues have cycled coast-to-coast.
“The BSS Car-aoke Challenge takes this to the next level. We’ve been inundated with support from staff, suppliers and customers who have been really keen to get involved and help raise money for such a worthy cause. It’s fantastic that we reached our £100,000 target and we can hopefully surpass this further.
“It was a hard and gruelling journey for the fundraisers that took part in the challenge, but it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”
Jack Matthews, head of corporate fundraising for Mind, said: “We’re tremendously grateful to BSS for choosing Mind as their charity of the year and for their excellent fundraising efforts so far. Money raised throughout our partnership is helping to ensure our helplines, website information and online community can continue to give anyone experiencing a mental health problem somewhere to turn for advice and support.”
The event was also supported and sponsored by leading manufacturers that supply BSS, such as Polypipe, Pegler Yorkshire, Geberit and Wilo, helping to raise even more money for the fantastic cause.
For those who would like to support BSS in raising funds for Mind charity, text BSSR99 £5 to 70070 to donate.