Waterside Holiday Group has announced it is supporting Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Dorset Mind in a dedicated fundraising drive this year.

The company, which operates three parks in Dorset, will host an array of fundraising activities throughout 2022 in a bid to raise a total of £25,000.

Among activities will be Waterside Holiday Group’s longest charity walk to date, with team members trekking from Chesil Vista Holiday Park to Core Castle in a 30-mile challenge in July. The company is also hosting a ‘Leadership Team Auction’, inviting employees to make a silent bid on senior team members to switch jobs within the company for a day.

Neil Quantrill, General Manager at Waterside Holiday Group commented: “During these turbulent past couple of years, local charities have needed our support more than ever before and we’re proud to have continued our fundraising efforts. This year, we want to go the extra mile as we return to a more ‘normal’ routine, so have set an ambitious fundraising target to support two highly respected local charities – as chosen by our team.

“We believe our fundraising efforts should be a collective effort, which is why we’ve asked all our employees to share creative ideas for how we can reach our goal. I’m looking forward to coming together with fellow colleagues to help Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Dorset Mind continue making a substantial difference within our communities.”

Leanne Colverson, Community Fundraising Officer at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance commented: “Our operational costs are over £5m per year, with the approximate cost per mission £3,000 – and last year alone, our service was tasked to 2,016 incidents. With no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery, we rely on the generosity of local businesses and the public to continue our lifesaving work, so we’re delighted Waterside Holiday Group has chosen to support us this year.”

Linda O’Sullivan, CEO at Dorset Mind added: “Our services, which include one-to-one and group counselling, mentoring, and a befriending programme, are a lifeline for thousands of people across Dorset every year. Waterside Holiday Group’s fundraising efforts will be greatly appreciated as we continue our vital work supporting the growing number of local individuals impacted by mental health challenges.”

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance began operating in March 2000. The charity provides relief to local people suffering from sickness and injury by the provision of air ambulance, with an air and road-delivered critical care capability. More information can be found here: www.dsairambulance.org.uk.

Dorset Mind charity has supported Dorset’s mental health for 75 years. They educate, challenge mental health stigma and inequality; and encourage recovery by empowering people to develop resilience. They offer 1-2-1 and group services including befriending, counselling, wellbeing support groups, mentoring, and educational wellbeing programmes for schools and workplaces. For more details, see dorsetmind.uk.

For more information about Waterside Holiday Group, visit watersideholidaygroup.co.uk.