Fundraising fun is now firmly underway after Nottingham-based brand agency Threerooms unveiled Nottinghamshire YMCA as their ‘Charity of the Year’.
Having worked with the regional youth charity on design projects for over two years, the announcement came after Threerooms saw the scope of support YMCA provides to enable young people to belong, contribute and thrive in their communities.
Activities will range from adventurous virtual health and wellbeing expeditions to the team tackling this year’s Robin Hood Half-Marathon in Nottingham.
All funds raised will go directly into helping the not-for-profit movement deliver life-changing programmes and services for at-risk children and formerly homeless young people living at the charity’s supported accommodation across the region.
Zoe Scott-Smith, Senior Brand Designer at Threerooms, has been the first to champion the cause by braving a challenge of walking the distance of Nottingham to Paris in two months!
The pandemic meant this distance challenge was completed ‘virtually’ in locations around Nottinghamshire, which feels even more fitting as funds will stay in the local area so young people can access YMCA opportunities that will help them boost their physical and mental wellbeing.
The 357-miles route saw Zoe trekking between five and seven miles every day for two months as she adventured through areas ranging from Clumber Park to the beautiful woods in Colwick forest.
Zoe said: “I was out there walking through storms, hail, heatwaves – the lot! The rules I set myself were to walk consecutive days with no breaks. Doing a desk role full time, it really was all about walking during every chance I could get – lunches, straight after work and then evening walks.
“I love being part of this inspirational and insightful challenge! Raising money for such a brilliant charity that supports young people in the local area is amazing, but this journey has also helped me learn a lot about myself – my determination, how far I can push myself, and learning a new passion.
“I now absolutely love walking now and being outdoors! Most importantly, I’ve learned about wellness and how getting back to nature can really benefit you mentally as well as physically.
“The donations and support have been incredible. Discovering that I was in JustGiving’s top 20% fundraisers last month is so overwhelming and it really shows how amazing everyone has been with their support!”
You can follow Zoe’s journey on her Instagram page and donations to support her efforts are warmly welcome on Zoe’s JustGiving page.
Meanwhile, Threerooms Director Ian Morris and Graphic Designer Mike Davies have grabbed their running shoes and are now training hard for this year’s Robin Hood Half-Marathon, which will take place on 26 September 2021.
The picturesque 13.1-mile (21.1km) route starts and ends at Victoria Embankment Recreation Ground, in Nottingham. Guiding runners through a scenic route along the River Trent, Ian and Mike will jog past Nottingham Castle and the Robin Hood statue before detouring through The Park estate, through Wollaton Park for some deer-spotting and then finishing up at Victoria Embankment.
