Category: Charity

1. Bikers turn M60 red for Greater Manchester veterans’ charity on Poppy Day

   Posted on 11:00am Thursday 3rd Nov 2022

   Veterans into Logistics, a Greater Manchester based charity that trains veterans into new careers as HGV drivers has been chosen as Ring of Red M60’s charity of the year 2022.   
   
   This year’s annual Remembrance Sunday Ride of Respect takes place on Sunday 13th November and all bikers will wear something red to form a spectacular red poppy around Manchester when viewed from above the M60. Organiser, Jeanette ‘Netty’ Kiely said: “It has become a hugely popular physical show of support for the Armed Forces, both past and present. We are delighted to support Veterans into Logistics this year through donations from the sale of our merchandise, as every year we create Ring of Red M60 commemorative merchandise including T-shirts, flags and pin badges.”
   
   Veterans into Logistics COO, Major Ian Battersby said: “We can’t wait to be part of this incredible event on Remembrance Sunday. Our mission is to reduce poverty and homelessness for veterans and the vulnerable by training and supporting them into new careers as HGV drivers. We thank Ring of Red M60 for helping to highlight and support our work, with funds raised going towards training veterans into their new careers.”
   
   The event will be led by Veterans into Logistics’ truck dedicated to Jamie Doyle who served 22 years in The Royal Artillery. He was found dead at home, tragically being unable to cope less than 12 months after leaving the British Army. In 2020, Veterans into Logistics was formed, purchasing their first HGV training vehicle and naming it in memory of Jamie.
   
   Last year 4,400 bikers participated in the Ride of Respect, and this year organisers invite riders to turn up at MOTO Birch Services Westbound from 9am for the ride-out starting at 1pm. The event ends as the bikers return to MOTO Birch Services Eastbound, followed by an invitation to come together at Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club where there will be military vehicles on display, a Veterans into Logistics merchandise stall and refreshments.
   
   Riders come from across the country to take part in what has fast become a staple in thousands of bikers’ calendars, and they prepare their bikes months in advance to take part in the striking display.
   
   Look out for the amazing aerial photos on Veterans into Logistics’ and Ring of Red M60’s social media pages. 
   
   For more information on Veterans into Logistics, visit: www.veteransintologistics.org.uk   

    

   Veterans into Logistics, is a non-profit organisation formed to provide training and support to change the lives of ex-forces, individuals with convictions and any other vulnerable people who need help to gain HGV licences and support into paid employment.
    
   The mission is to reduce unemployment and homelessness amongst the ex-military community by creating a pathway for veterans into the transport and logistics industry.

2. It’s time to rise and shine for Ben’s Big Breakfast! On World Mental Health Day, 10th October

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 17th Aug 2022

   • Ben’s Big Breakfast returns for 2022, raising vital funds for automotive community
   • Host a breakfast morning at your workplace and bring, bake, make and sell a breakfast spread to raise money
   • Big Breakfast is an opportunity for colleagues to connect and check in with each other

   Following the huge success of last year’s Big Breakfast event, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is bringing the nationwide fundraising initiative back for 2022, aiming to raise even more life-saving donations to support those in the automotive community who are struggling or in crisis.

   The week-long event will kick off on World Mental Health Day, 10th October, the perfect excuse for colleagues to connect over a coffee, catch up over a croissant or bond over a bacon butty.

   Companies are invited to host a Ben’s Big Breakfast event from 10th-16th October and encourage their team, customers, friends and family to bring, bake or make a delicious breakfast spread, selling their goodies to raise money for those in our automotive family who need Ben’s help. Ben will also provide a Ben Bear to those hosting a Big Breakfast to raffle off and boost the fundraising efforts.

   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “It’s official. The automotive industry loves a breakfast. Over 200 locations took part in last year’s inaugural Ben’s Big Breakfast – an unprecedented amount – so we knew we had to bring it back in 2022 and aim to reach even more automotive businesses!

   “The Big Breakfast is such a simple way to raise funds, but it’s also an important reminder to check in with our colleagues. Having a chat over a cup of coffee in the morning could make such a difference to someone’s day without you even realising it. Often, people are suffering in silence, thinking that nobody has noticed or cares about them. A small gesture like catching up over a cuppa could change that. It could be the first step to them opening up, or reaching out to Ben for help.”

   To find out more about Ben’s Big Breakfast 2022 or to sign up to this year’s event, visit https://ben.org.uk/get-involved/individual-and-corporate-events/ben-s-big-breakfast/

   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

3. Introducing BenWell – a new wellbeing platform designed for the automotive community

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 29th Jun 2022

   • Ben and Wellonomics partner to produce pioneering wellbeing app and web portal
   • BenWell enables employees to measure their wellbeing in real-time and gives employers timely insight into mental and physical health of their team
   • Personalised resources are provided to each individual, tailored to their wellbeing needs

   To mark the beginning of World Wellbeing Week, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is proud to announce the nationwide launch of BenWell – its pioneering new wellbeing platform, developed specifically for the automotive industry in partnership with Wellonomics.

   Underpinning BenWell is an insight-led app and web portal which automotive businesses can use to take the emotional and physical temperature of their team, enabling companies to better support their employees with their wellbeing.

   Each month, employees spend less than 10 minutes answering questions across six key personal wellbeing areas, and five management areas. Once completed, their personal dashboard gives a real-time view of their wellbeing and offers tailored support and guidance from experts in each area, accessed via mobile, tablet or desktop.

   From an employer perspective, individual survey results are anonymised but, by tracking key wellbeing indicators via the dashboard, employers get a real time overview of how their employees are feeling about life at home and work, taking the guesswork out of wellbeing and enabling them to be proactive in their response.

   If any potential wellbeing issues are identified, employers can create targeted solutions that address their people’s needs, building greater employee satisfaction, retention and productivity for the business.

   Ben has been working on the development of this platform since 2021 with wellbeing data specialists Wellonomics, and the new BenWell platform will now be rolled out to automotive businesses across the UK.

   In addition to the app and web portal, the complete BenWell package also includes:

   • Access to printed wellbeing documentation on a wide range of topics for use around the workplace
   • Access to HR Manager Lite from Lawgistics – a HR and compliance platform designed for automotive employers that might not have their own HR function
   • Access to a portfolio of Ben Training courses to help teams build self-awareness and good habits that promote resilient mental health

   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “For over 115 years, Ben has been on the front line of the automotive industry, supporting members of our automotive family through the toughest times of their lives. And in 2022, we know that this support is needed more than ever before.

   “Our most recent industry survey showed us that 94% of automotive workers have been personally affected by a health and wellbeing issue in the last 12 months. That figure is astonishing. Not only does this mean our automotive colleagues have been struggling, it also means that businesses are suffering too. Employee absence, reductions in productivity, low team morale – all of these things are caused by wellbeing issues and ultimately affect the health of your business.

   “By partnering with data specialists Wellonomics, we have combined our unique insight into the automotive community with industry-leading technology to produce a platform that we truly believe will help to improve the wellbeing of the automotive family as a whole. We encourage employers to find out more about BenWell and explore the many ways it can help the people in your business who most need it.”

   Glen Thurgood, CEO at Wellonomics shared: “It is a real honour to partner with Ben and the product of our successful collaboration is BenWell.  We are enormously excited as BenWell is officially launched today and sincerely look forward to being of service to all businesses and people within the automotive family.”

   For more information about BenWell click here.

   And remember, if you or someone you know is struggling - you can chat with us online, or call our free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333 (Mon- Fri 8am - 8pm).

   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

    

   
   About Ben:
   Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.

   Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services. 

   Ben also operates continuing care and support for those in later life, which isn’t dependent on an automotive industry connection, via its residential care centres, day centre and retirement village. www.ben.org.uk. 

4. MV Agusta winning bid brings Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal total to over £120,000

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 5th May 2022

   MV AGUSTA WINNING BID BRINGS SALON PRIVÉ DEC UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL TOTAL TO OVER £120,000 #STANDWITHUKRAINE Winning bidder collects 1974 MV Agusta 750 donated by RM Sotheby’s Salon Privé London raises over £120,000 to help alleviate suffering Historic motorbike sells for £48,000 at auction to help drive final donation 20% of Salon Privé London event entry ticket revenue donated Online and live charity auction contribute to funds for Ukraine crisis Website for donations still open at www.spdec.org   The highest bidder on the 1974 MV Agusta 750 donated by RM Sotheby’s has collected his historic Italian sport bike, bringing the total raised by the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to £120,000, following the debut of the capital’s new must-attend automotive event. Salon Privé London is thanking its event partners, exhibitors and guests for their generosity in helping alleviate the suffering of those effected by the devastating ongoing war. The sale of the 1970’s MV Agusta proved the star of the show, selling for £48,000 on the Friday night at the Salon Privé Concours de Vente Celebration Dinner. Many parties had made their interest in the bike clear, but in the end Mr. Ian Smart was successful in placing the winning bid, with 100% of the hammer price going to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Ian Smart said: “I am delighted to have been successful in winning this beautiful MV Agusta motorbike, and to support Salon Privé in this important fundraising campaign to provide aid to those in need during the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis. My sincere thanks goes to RM Sotheby’s for their generosity in donating this important part of MV Agusta's history and ensuring the success of the auction.”  As part of the charity endeavour of its first event in the capital, Salon Privé London committed 20% of entry ticket revenue and auctioned donated items on the Friday night. With remarkable generosity shown by the event partners and exhibitors of the Royal Hospital Chelsea event, the bike played a key role in driving awareness and visibility of the fundraising activity. Peter Haynes, Marketing Director for RM Sotheby’s EMEA, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in raising as much money as possible for this urgent cause. We see it as a moral obligation to assist in the easing of the appalling humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine.”   Director of Salon Privé Andrew Bagley said: “Special thanks must go to RM Sotheby’s for the incredibly generous donation of the 1974 MV Agusta motorbike, and Mr. Ian Smart for placing the winning bid, but there have been so many genuinely heartfelt pledges made. We want to thank everyone, as no donation is too small in this effort to help those in need.”   With an online silent auction of 25 items running up to and during up to the event, and the sale of star lots at the Salon Privé Concours de Vente Celebration Dinner, both exhibitors and visitors had the chance to support the people of Ukraine who are going through unimaginable hardship. Attracting the attention of enthusiasts and aficionados in the lead up to the event, the 1974 MV Agusta GT (Sport Conversion) offered in the auction was the centrepiece of the sale. Supplied new to MV Agusta factory rider, Gianfranco Bonera, who owned it until 1978 it was originally manufactured to “GT” specification and subsequently uprated to Sport specification. With 69 horsepower available, the period superbike provides stunning looks and an exhilarating riding experience. Last month Salon Privé London launched its appeal and engaged with the industry to develop the charitable effort leading up to, and during, the luxury car event. The sister event to Salon Privé Blenheim, it presented a fantastic and timely opportunity to galvanise all those involved with, and attending, and raise much needed funds to help the people of Ukraine. Working with DEC and Work for Good, the funds raised will directly help the people forced to leave everything behind as they flee the fighting in Ukraine. With over 18 million expected to be affected by the conflict, and four million displaced, the resources will provide vital supplies of shelter, food and water. Bringing together 15 leading aid charities, the DEC raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. People in life-and-death situations rely on its help as it works to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response. It’s still possible to contribute to the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at www.spdec.org

5. Ben Ball is back for 2022, bigger and better than ever!

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 4th May 2022

   • The Ben Ball will take place on 7th December in its new home of Old Billingsgate Market.
   • Event raises significant funds to support those in the automotive family who are struggling or in crisis.
   • Booking is now open for tickets and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

   Ben, the automotive industry charity, has announced that its annual flagship black tie event – Ben Ball – will be held this year on Wednesday 7th December, supported by AutoTrader.
   
   Following the stunning success of the 2021 event, Ben Ball 2022 will move across London to its new home at Old Billingsgate Market – a spectacular venue in the heart of the City on the north bank of the Thames.
   
   The 2021 Ben Ball took place after Covid restrictions were lifted and quickly sold out as the automotive community seized the chance to gather together in person and celebrate in spectacular style. Over 600 automotive industry figures attended the event, joining forces to raise over £96,500 – one of the highest totals ever achieved at a Ben Ball.
   
   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “Together, once again, we did something extraordinary at the 2021 Ben Ball. The staggering amount of funds raised helps Ben continue to provide life-saving support to those in our automotive family who most need it, and it can’t be overstated how much those donations will help people who turn to us when they are struggling or in crisis.
   
   “Over the last 2 years, we’ve seen support requests double, and the cases that we are seeing are more complex and urgent than we’ve experienced before. Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event for us – not only does it bring in vital donations, but it also gives us the chance to thank those who have helped us achieve so much during the year, and to show how we use their donations to change people’s lives.
   
   “Plans for the Ben Ball 2022 are well underway and the event looks set to be extraordinary. We would like to invite everyone in the industry to book tickets and join us for our celebrations but also to extend an invite to anyone who may wish to sponsor the event to get in touch.
   
   “We can’t wait to welcome you to our new venue – Old Billingsgate Market – this December for the automotive industry event of the year!
   
   ”To book your tickets or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.

   
   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.