Three staff at The Food Warehouse in Westwood have spent the week raising funds for mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Raffles have raised £250 with around the same amount coming from an exercise bike ride and quiz
For team member Morgan Mitchell, who has been leading the event, the cause is one he cares deeply about, having lost two friends and a former girlfriend to suicide.
The 22-year-old, originally from Margate but most recently living in Canterbury, says the charity was chosen by the company but is a cause he is fully behind.
He said: “It is such a good charity. In the time I have been with the company there have been many people I’ve worked closely with who have struggled with mental health and depression.
“I have known three people who, in the last three years, have sadly taken their own life. This charity really can give support and help for anyone struggling.
“One colleague from a previous site I worked in had gone missing for 48 hours. I was out searching for him and we really did not expect what happened.
“A second person was a close family friend and he had also gone missing and the third was my ex-girlfriend shortly after we split and she was just 19.
“This charity is all about helping those who are struggling but also those affected (by loss) as well.”
Raffles have been held throughout the week with prizes donated by staff, customers, friends and families.
The three team members also undertook a 130km ride over eight hours on the exercise bike. Raffles continue until Sunday.
Former Hartsdown student Morgan, who has worked at the Westwood store for one year after moving from the Margate outlet, said: “We are currently looking at £500 raised this week.
“When I was in Margate last year we also raised about £1000 for CALM.”
Suicide prevention charity CALM provides life-saving services, information and advice to help anyone struggling with life navigate the issues that can make us feel miserable.
The charity also campaigns to challenge the stereotypes and stigma that prevents people talking about suicide.
Find help, or donate, at: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
