Last year, Ben reported a 113% increase in the amount of people visiting mental health pages on its website and a 52% increase in demand for the charity’s services, all whilst battling the shortfall.
Sytner said it had supported Ben for nearly 27 years, championing the charity and its work to a 9,000-strong workforce and since establishing the relationship, Sytner colleagues, dealerships and divisions have contributed to the not-for-profit charity, but say the recent donation is the largest single contribution to date.
Melvin Rogers, director of human resources at Sytner Group, said: “The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is of the upmost importance and we’re pleased that our donation will allow Ben to continue the fantastic support that they offer to everyone within Sytner and the wider automotive industry.
Marshall Motor Holdings, meanwhile, pledged a £10,000 donation to Ben as part of a Xmas Do-nation charity campaign launched by MotorVise to plug the charity s funding shortfall.
MotorVise announced it would be handing over the £1,000 it intended to spend on its Christmas do .
Ben reports it’s seen a 50% increase in demand against the backdrop of a £1m income shortfall and the newly-donated funds will allow it to continue providing support after fears that difficult decisions might have to be made about certain services.
Commenting on the latest pledge of support, from the RAC Network and Assurant, Matt Wigginton, fundraising director at Ben, said: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for our services is growing at a time when our income has fallen.