The Covid-19 pandemic had a catastrophic effect with the cancellation of thousands of charity events and the loss of billions in revenue through fundraising events.

Many charities have had to reduce or discontinue their services at a time when the vulnerable in society need them most; thousands of employees have been laid off and many charities will not survive in the coming months.

With most of the staff absent from the office in May - and possibly June - our usual fundraising activities were cancelled, but in collaboration with the foundation, Damart UK decided to continue supporting our charities.

Following the cancellation of the London Marathon, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, the London Marathon is the world's largest one-day fundraising event, raising over £66.4 million in 2019.

The 2.6 challenge was set up by the event management of the London Marathon.

The challenge is to take a photo or video of your own activity (running 2.6 miles, holding an online workout with 26 of your friends for example), publish the media and encourage other employees to nominate others from across the company to do their own activity and donate to one of our three partner charities.

The challenge is open to anyone and everyone - regardless of age, gender or ability, as the activity is entirely voluntary and personal. This project is about bringing people together in the face of this crisis and coming together to support one of three national charities; The Silver Line, Heart Research UK and Breast Cancer Now.

 

The Damart UK 2.6 Challenge was launched on Monday 27th April, 8 colleagues had already challenged themselves and we had already raised over £100.

Geraldine Vernon - UK representative of the foundation

"Helping the elderly and/or caring for a parent or senior has never been more important than it is today, with confinement forcing older people to feel more isolated than ever. Damart UK supports a number of charities related to older people, including one that the Foundation has supported: The Silver Line - taking action to combat loneliness with its team of volunteers It is more important than ever to stay in touch and continue to communicate. Challenge 2.6 is a great way to get involved, have fun, nominate your colleagues to participate and donate to charities.