Our Chosen Charity for December - Samaritans
Each month, we’ll be making a ￡1,000 donation to a charitable cause nominated by one of the YFM team.
Ben Pitt, Investment Manager, discusses his support for Samaritans
Q????????????Why have you nominated Samaritans?
The importance of Samaritans became apparent to me while living with James Astin (now a lifelong friend) at university, who has an ongoing campaign of raising money for Samaritans.
Samaritans does an amazing and literally life-saving job. It is a unique charity that is dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. Did you know that Samaritans responds to a call for help every 10 seconds?
Q????????????What is your connection to Samaritans?
It’s a cause close to my friend James’ heart (and, therefore, mine) as his Dad committed suicide in 2013 and he has been raising funds for Samaritans ever since. Over the last nine years, he’s taken on a number of adventurous feats. His most elaborate fundraiser has been cycling from Whitby to Singapore, which he completed in 2019, covering 18,000km – like you do! James’ latest fundraising feat is walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats (via the Three Peaks), which he completed in August. To add to the list, he has also completed a UK coast to coast ride and cycled from Anchorage in Alaska to Mexico!
In total, James has raised an amazing ￡8.5k for Samaritans and I’ve been proud to support him however I can – from giving him a bed for the night in London, or visiting him in Budapest and Thailand on one his many adventures. James is currently planning future fundraising with some even move ambitious mountain climbs ahead…
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Q????????????What will YFM’s donation be used for?
The donation will help support the costs of running the charity which provides training for volunteers and operates more than 200 branches and locations across the UK and Ireland.
As James and I both grew up in Yorkshire, it seems particularly fitting that he is being supported by a Yorkshire-head quartered fund manager.
Quote – James Astin, fundraiser for Samaritans:
“Companies have so much financial weight when it comes to supporting charities, it’s really important that they use their influence in a positive way. This type of donation from YFM gives a massive boost and will help increase Samaritans ability to reach out to even more people. It costs only ￡5 for take a call, that’s the price of a coffee or a pint, and yet it could potentially change, or even save, someone’s life.”
More about Samaritans
Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who needs someone. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Last year almost 20,000 trained listening volunteers responded to calls for help.
To support James’ latest fundraising for Samaritans, visit: