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Arnold Clark has donated £100,000 to industry charity Ben for its Christmas Appeal.
The charity aims to raise at least £500,000 to ensure it can support the record numbers of people calling on its services this year.
Ben has seen a 147% increase in demand for support during 2021 as more people turn to the charity with issues ranging from mental and physical health to poverty, domestic abuse, homelessness and more.
These issues are more urgent and more complex than ever before but with fundraising income still impacted by Covid-19, Ben fears it will face the prospect of not being able to help everyone in need.
With many of this year’s fundraising events having fallen victim to cancellation, the charity is asking businesses to pledge support for those industry colleagues and their families who may be struggling.
Ben chief executive Zara Ross said: “While everyone continues to deal with the aftermath of Covid-19, it has been encouraging to see the positive bounce-back enjoyed by much of our industry this year.
“However, we know that many of our automotive family – the people our industry relies on – are struggling or in crisis as they continue to face life’s toughest challenges.
“I am proud that together, through the pandemic, we have shown that whenever any member of our automotive family is struggling, we all rally to support them. The Christmas Appeal provides a tangible way that organisations can pledge their support and make a tangible difference.”
Eddie Hawthorne, Arnold Clark group managing director, said: “Ben has always supported our people at Arnold Clark, no matter what issues they have faced, and I am delighted to recognise that with a substantial donation to Ben’s Christmas campaign.
“There will be many businesses in our industry who have had a very good year, but whose colleagues will have benefited from Ben’s support during what has been an incredibly tough time for them. I would urge them to recognise that by supporting our charity Ben and helping ensure they’re always there for our people.”