Acadian UK Tackles the 2.6 Challenge!

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect across many facets of our society, including the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events and the loss of billions in revenues from these events for philanthropic organizations around the globe. The world’s largest one-day fundraising event, The Virgin Money London Marathon is one such event, originally scheduled to be held on April 26. The marathon raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019 and is a major source of funding for UK non-profits annually.

In an effort to support charitable organizations who have had to pause or reduce services and programming, Acadian’s UK affiliate participated in the 2.6 challenge on April 26, partaking in different activities based around the number 2.6 or 26. The Acadian UK team focused their efforts on behalf of two charities that they have worked closely with over the last few years, whose mission is close to their heart: Winston’s Wish and Honeypot. 

Acadianites had fun and got creative with the challenge, holding a plank for 2.6 minutes, going for a 26-minute jog, doing 26 squats... you get the idea!

For more on the two organizations Acadian UK has supported through strategic partnerships over the years and with the recent 2.6 initiative, check out their websites linked below.

Winston's Wish
Winston’s Wish was the UK’s first childhood bereavement charity. They have been supporting bereaved children since 1992 and continue to lead the way in providing specialist child bereavement support services across the UK. This includes in-depth therapeutic support in individual, group, and residential settings, as well as a Freephone National Helpline, training for professionals, and specialist publications.

Honeypot
Very few services exist for young caregivers in the UK. Of the few organizations that do, Honeypot is the only service that offers consistent outreach support and respite breaks, for children between the ages of 5 and 12.

Official figures suggest there are 195,000 young caregivers in the UK, but the number is likely much higher. Children in this position and facing these pressures can find it hard to relate to their peers, struggle to concentrate in school, and have little time to play with friends and take part in activities. Honeypot aims to alleviate some of these stresses and provide much-needed support.