With funds approaching the £300,000-mark, team members from across the Stonegate estate, from its support team to area managers and pub partners as well as Craft Union operators, came together to raise the money in a variety of different and creative ways.
Fundraising activities saw the South-East managed operations team taking on 30 miles of the British Jurassic Coastline in a charity walk while the firm’s customer contact centre raised £13k by completing the ‘Tour De Stonegate’, a virtual cycle ride visiting Stonegate pubs.
Stonegate Group operations director Luke Jones said: “The team and I were very excited to take part for the incredible MND Association and MND Scotland.
“We really supported each other over the three days and were excited to be challenging ourselves in this activity. It was also nice to see the beautiful landscape of the South Coast.”
Great causes
Other team members chose to walk, hike, run, cycle, swim, host raffles or competitions and even wash cars to raise money for the charities.
Stonegate CEO David McDowell said: “We are very proud of all our colleagues, operators, partners, and customers from across the Stonegate estate for their outstanding effort in raising £250,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, as well as £10k for MND Scotland.
“This achievement reflects the key roles our pubs and bars play in supporting their communities and raising money for charities and great causes. We know how important raising both funds and awareness of MND is to the MND community.”
According to the MND Association, one-third of people with the disease lose their life within a year, rising to more than half within two years of diagnosis
The money raised will help both charities improve access to care and essential resources for individuals in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland impacted by motor neurone disease, which attacks the nerves and leaves those affected unable to walk, talk, eat and ultimately breath.
Maximising fundraising
In addition, both organisations help with financing and endorsing research that advances understanding of the disease and leads to the development of new treatments.
MND Association head of development Ian Gardner said: “We are absolutely thrilled the Stonegate Group have topped an incredible £250,000 to support the work of the MND Association.
“Alongside my colleagues, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting numerous Stonegate colleagues who have blown me away with their creative ideas and dedication to maximising their fundraising to support the MND community.
“There are around 5,000 people in the UK at any one time who are living with MND, and Stonegate’s support is invaluable to helping us support them while facing this devastating disease.”
