Call to Businesses to Help Raise Funds for Guildford YMCA

Published on: 20 Mar, 2012
Updated on: 20 Mar, 2012

Local businessman Richard Fox, of The Learning Corporation, has teamed up with Surrey Chambers of Commerce to help Guildford YMCA raise significant funds for a remodelling project from the business community.

The Surrey Three Peaks Challenge is for staff teams to reach Surrey’s three highest peaks in one day, either through a marathon length walk or a shorter 14-mile option including car rides between locations. YMCA CEO Pete Brayne has been visiting companies and literally throwing down a gauntlet, and the response has been encouraging.

Staff from Opus who will be taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge and raising funds for Guildford YMCA.

The oil and gas community will be well represented. Most recently, Opus, based at Compton, has picked up the gauntlet with enthusiasm. In fact the firm is planning to bring staff down from its Orkney office to participate – taking staff team building to a whole new level!

MD Nigel Weir said: “It is poignant to hear about the many young people in our affluent county who are struggling through very tough times. This challenge is an excellent opportunity for Opus to support the wonderful work that the YMCA does assisting our fellow citizens to achieve stability and optimism for their future.

“Opus is committed to contributing to the community and I consider it a worthy investment for some of our team from beautiful Orkney to join us for a combined team effort in the beautiful Surrey countryside.”

The plans for restructuring the basement level of the Bridge Street hostel will provide better facilities for delivering effective youth work. The price tag is around £600,000, of which the YMCA is committing £100,000 from its reserves.

Remarkably a first phase of fundraising has resulted in more than £125,000 being donated or pledged by private individuals. It is hoped that this appeal to the business community will raise more than £20,000 – it’s a lot of money but it’s for a very good cause.

Current youth work at Plantation and Bridge Street is having a positive impact on young people, but there is scope for much more with the right facilities. One of the young people Plantation at Guildford YMCA has been helping is Flo. She has also been visiting companies with Pete Brayne and said: “Plantation has made a huge difference in my life, given me guidance and helped me find my own direction, shown me love and never judged me. I’m not sure what life would be like without Plantation, but it’s better than I ever expected! Plantation staff have been the difference for me, especially when I have felt like everyone else has given up – they never have!”

YMCA CEO Pete Brayne would love to hear from any companies wanting to sign up – he still has some gauntlets to throw down! Call him on 01483 532555 or visit www.guildfordymca.org.uk/capital_appeal_3peaks.htm for more information.