Inverness solicitors vow to Bee the Change in fundraising drive for Highland mental health charity Mikeysline
A cup of kindness is being offered by a charitable Highland solicitors firm after they opted to “Bee the Change” and raise vital funds of Mikeysline.
Scottish legal firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP’s Inverness team is taking on a three-month fundraising challenge for the mental health charity after becoming the latest business to participate in the “Cup of Kindness” initiative – which sees companies hold the ‘cup’ for three months at a time, raising as much money as possible before passing it on to the next fundraiser.
The name of the challenge aligns with the famous lyrics of Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne. The phrase “we'll tak’ a cup o' kindness yet” refers to the tradition of raising a cup in friendship, goodwill, and remembrance of noble deeds — an ethos that aligns perfectly with the spirit of this charitable endeavour.
WJM was nominated to take on this meaningful challenge by client Ri Cruden Ltd, the first company to hold the cup.
The idea came after Paul Robson, Ri Cruden’s group accountant, reached out to Mikeysline to see if they could organise some fundraising activity, and Allana Stables, Bee the Change manager at Mikeysline, suggested what soon became the “Cup of Kindness”.
Partner and head of the Inverness office, Angus MacLeod, said his team are embracing the opportunity with enthusiasm, and said WJM has committed to matching any funds raised by the team.
Marion Urquhart, legal administrator and the driving force behind WJM’s efforts, has planned three main events to anchor their fundraising activities over the next three months.
A late summer sports day, inspired by Britain’s recent sporting success, will take place on Thursday, October 3, featuring quirky competitions – with the paper plane javelin being the most talked about event.
Marion – who admits she doesn’t need an excuse for a bake sale – said staff also showcased their culinary skills by baking a variety of treats earlier this week (September 11).
And the team is also putting together an impressive haul of raffle prizes for a Grand Raffle Draw on Wednesday, November 6. Several prizes have already been secured, including a clay pigeon experience from a local club.
Marion said: “Mikeysline provides invaluable support to our community, and we are proud to contribute to its mission. Our team is looking forward to these fundraising activities, and we’re eager to see how much we can raise to support this fantastic cause – and the firm’s match-funding will help us make even more of an impact.”
Allana Stables, Bee the Change manager at Mikeysline, added: “We are thrilled to have WJM participate in the Cup of Kindness challenge. The funds raised through initiatives like this are vital to the continuation of our services, which provide much-needed mental health support across the Highlands, Islands, and Moray.”
Mikeysline was founded in 2015 following the passing of good friends Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson within 48 hours of each other. The charity offers text-based and face-to-face support for people of all ages struggling to cope.
It offers critical mental health support through various services, including a text line, drop-in centres, and one-on-one sessions. The charity’s work is instrumental in addressing mental health challenges in the Highlands, Islands, and Moray and initiatives like the “Cup of Kindness” play a crucial role in ensuring these services can continue.
The next business being passed the cup is yet to be decided on. If your company is interested, or to find out more about the services offered, visit mikeysline.co.uk or contact enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk.
