Both toy industry charities are set to benefit from the pledge, thanks to the efforts of Character Group employees across the company’s global operations.
This May, the Character Group is aiming to walk 18,000km – the equivalent of covering the UK’s mainland coastline, as shown on this map – to raise money for industry charities: the Toy Trust and The Fence Club.
As part of the May Mayhem Walking Challenge, this company charity fundraiser is the Character Group’s biggest and most inclusive to date. The whole workforce, across all five of its offices – Hong Kong, China, Scandinavia, Oldham and New Malden – is participating to cover the distance, which is equal to around 25.5m steps.
Taking place between Monday 1st and Wednesday 31st May 2023, the Toy Trust’s May Mayhem challenge invites members of the toy industry to carry out a month of fundraising collectively, from anywhere in the UK, in activities chosen by the participants themselves, as individuals and/or as part of a team – and it’s not to late to sign up and take part. This year the Toy Trust is supporting Whizz Kidz – The UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users, empowering young people by providing wheelchairs, equipment and support.
With so many steps to clock-up and hundreds of members of staff to coordinate across multiple territories, Character Group says the organisation of this challenge will be no small feat. But the team is already off to a flying start, with some people logging more than 25,000 steps on the first day towards the pledge. To keep track of the Group’s progress, weekly updates will be shared via the JustGiving pages detailed below.
Jon Elliott, head of Research and Development at Character Options, commented: “Fundraising for the Toy Trust and The Fence Club is something we look forward to every year. These activities provide us with fun opportunities to rally together as a team, but most importantly they help raise money for very special and worthwhile causes. We know that, in our own small way, we can make a big difference to disadvantaged and disabled children and their families who are supported by these organisations.
Proceeds will also help the work of industry charity The Fence Club, which holds regular events that raise monies for underprivileged and less fortunate children, to help them have better lives in any way possible.
Previous fundraisers at Character have included building rafts in Berkshire, cycling to the top and bottom of the UK, and climbing the UK’s three highest peaks. “But this year it’s going to be mega, and we wanted everyone to get involved,” continued Jon. “We’re empowering the whole team to take to pavements, parks, trails, and treadmills to clock up the steps together. By tackling it as a team and all contributing, it should be a walk in the park.”
Donations to support the fundraisers and help them fulfil their ambitious pledge can be made via Character Group’s fundraising pages:
