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The independent workplace catering and guest services provider has celebrated its 15th anniversary with an ambitious and inclusive fundraising initiative, The Big Hike, which took place on 18 April.
The event brought together Bennett Hay colleagues, clients, friends and family and even a four-legged participant for a day of running, walking and cycling, all in support of three meaningful charitable causes.
Designed to be accessible to all, participants were able to choose their preferred distance and mode of travel. The collective goal was to visit every Bennett Hay client site within a single day, an objective that was successfully achieved.
The event saw over 70 participants take part, covering an impressive, combined distance of 490 miles cycled, 29 miles run and 404 miles walked.
The finish line was hosted at The Hickman in Whitechapel, a fully managed GPE property, where participants gathered to celebrate their achievements.
All members of the Bennett Hay leadership team took part in the challenge. Anthony Bennett, Owner Director, completed a nine-mile run through Regent’s Park, visiting four client sites along the way. Zoë Watts, Managing Director, cycled 80 miles and visited all 43 Bennett Hay client locations. Robin Hay walked with a team of six colleagues, covering a seven-mile route starting at Portman Square and ticking off eight sites. Claire Huish and Glen Mumford also took part on foot while Candice Webber and Paul Kytra joined the effort by bike.
The initiative aims to raise £15,000 in support of three charities, Hospitality Action, Arts for All and the Drive Forward Foundation.
Reflecting on the event, Robin Hay, Co-Founder of Bennett Hay said: “What better way to celebrate our milestone anniversary than getting together with one another, enjoying each other’s company along the route and all with the added bonus of raising funds for three fantastic causes close to our hearts. I’m truly thankful for the enthusiasm from our colleagues and the incredible support from our clients and suppliers in embracing our efforts. Organising an event such as The Big Hike is never a mean feat on top of the day job so thank you to everyone who made it happen.”
Anita Ribeiro, Head of Partnerships at Drive Forward Foundation, added: “We’re so excited about our partnership with Bennett Hay, in which we’ll benefit from their fundraising initiatives and so much more. The opportunities for our young adults to benefit from mentoring, work experience, apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities within their business brings so much value to our charity at a time when getting onto the career ladder is more challenging than ever.”
