The 24 hour gym chain Plus Fitness has raised $70,000 for Beyond Blue during its August campaign, Lift Yourself Up, in Australia and New Zealand.
More than 150 of its Australian-based franchisees joined together to run a campaign that highlighted the benefits of exercise in addressing mental health issues. Each participating franchisee donated $10 for each new member who joined their gyms in August with the funds raised going to Beyond Blue to support their work in improving the lives of those affected by anxiety, depression and suicide in Australia.
The Christchurch based New Zealand franchisees also took part and raised $1,500 for The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Plus Fitness franchisor Nigel Miller said “Last year’s efforts to raise funds for these two very important charities really was a fantastic effort. To then see our franchisees repeat this again this year and with such passion makes us incredibly proud and humbled by what we can achieve as a franchise network.”
Plus Fitness franchise commitment to mental health
Miller praised the network’s positive approach.
“The Plus Fitness family has always been able to rally behind a good cause and the generosity and community support we constantly see at a local level from our franchisees and their staff means that what they have achieved here comes as no surprise with ‘community’ always having been a key element of our brand ethos,” he said.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said Beyond Blue is grateful for the lengths Plus Fitness have gone in its support of people with depression and anxiety.
“At Beyond Blue, we constantly hear from people who tell us how exercise helps them keep their mental health on track.
“The generous $70,500 donation will go directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service, which last year provided free and immediate counselling, advice and referrals via phone, online chat and email to 192,895 people.”
Plus Fitness joins iconic Australian brands such as Qantas, Medibank and Steel Blue as an official corporate partner for Beyond Blue.
Mental health professionals are available at the Beyond Blue Support Service via phone 24/7 in Australia on 1300 22 4636 or via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support or if you are in New Zealand and need support please call 1737.