Travis Perkins raises 150k despite economic downturn

Wednesday 01 April 2009

Employees at the Travis Perkins Group, one of the UK's leading companies in builders' merchanting and home improvement, have raised over £150,000 for learning disability charity Mencap over the last year.



Despite the economic downturn, the enthusiastic employees organised a host of imaginative fundraising events during 2008. In fact, fundraising has been so successful that the Group has succeeded in raising more than £350,000 over the two year partnership. Money raised will go towards Mencap's work providing vital support for people with a learning disability and their families and carers.

Geoff Cooper, Chief Executive, Travis Perkins Group, said: "I'm delighted that we have raised so much money for such a good cause. Everyone in our Group businesses and Head Office has been committed to raising money for Mencap. As a result of their dedication we have exceeded our expectations in this difficult economic climate."

Ciara Evans who has a learning disability and is a spokesperson for Mencap said: "I think it's brilliant that a big company like Travis Perkins has managed to raise so much money for Mencap. Money raised will help Mencap support thousands of people like me who have a learning disability. The fundraising events they have organised are great and I look forward to seeing what they do next."

In a continued effort to support Mencap, more than 70 Travis Perkins employees are training to take part in the gruelling ‘Beat the Moon' challenge in the Lake District on July 24. Participants are expected to cycle 9 miles; trek nine miles to the summit of Scarfell Pike, England's highest mountain; canoe 1 mile across Wast Water, run 1 mile, then cycle a further 11 miles to the finish.

For more information about Mencap and the services it provides visit http://www.mencap.org.uk/

ENDS

For further information contact Stacey Kerr at the Mencap press office on 020 7696 6950 or David Manning at Travis Perkins on 01604 683197.