Ben forced to postpone key fundraising initiative

Automotive industry charity Ben has announced that its Industry Leader Challenge (ILC) fundraiser, The Climb, has been postponed as Tanzania remains on the travel red list.

It’s hoped that the event up Mount Kilimanjaro will take place in February 2022.

Participants will instead tackle the National 3 Peaks Challenge during the same week, from 31 October to 3 November.

The ILC accounts for 10% of Ben’s total annual fundraising income, so the challengers are determined to reach the much-needed £300,000 target by the end of March 2022. A total of £50,000 has been raised so far through various fundraising initiatives.

Matt Wigginton, director of partnerships, engagement and income, said: “We’re disappointed that we can’t tackle Kili this year, so that’s why we’ve decided to take on the gruelling National 3 Peaks Challenge during the same week in November to keep us on our toes. We’re committed to challenging ourselves and raising the £300,000 we desperately need so we can continue to support our automotive family.

“The ILC is a crucial part of our annual fundraising programme and, now more than ever, your support is vital. We have had a record number of automotive people ask us for help this year and last so, by donating, you’re making sure we can continue to be there, especially during these challenging times.