Johnstons of Elgin staff hike Dava Way and sell unique scarves to raise record sum in Moray for lifesaving charity
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
JOHNSTONS of Elgin staff hiked the Dava Way, sold bespoke embroidered scarves and hosted fundraising events to raise a fortune.
The world-famous Moray textile firm selected lifesaving mental health charity Mikeysline to benefit from their annual fundraising programme.
Last week, the charity received a cheque for more than £20,000 and praised the donation as "phenomenal".
Johnstons, which matched the amount raised by employees, also heard how Mikeysline supports those with mental health issues in Moray and the Highlands.
Launched after a number of tragic suicides in 2015, the charity delivers one-to-one support in 11 schools across Moray and Highland and has bases, or Hives, in Inverness, Nairn, Tain and Alness.
Allana Stables, from Mikeysline, said plans are in the works for an Elgin hub in the near future – following a recent presentation at Elgin High School to share their message about bullying, mental health and available support.
Also at the heart of the charity's work is their free text service, where any person aged 11 or older can text 07786 20 77 55 to receive confidential mental health support.
Darcie Stevenson, user experience coordinator at Johnstons of Elgin, led the bid to select Mikeysline as the firm's charity of the year.
She said: "I nominated Mikeysline as the charity of the year because it's a cause close to my heart.
"I'm passionate about raising awareness and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
"I'm grateful for everyone's support and donations in helping us reach this amazing total, which will make a big difference in the Moray area."
The charity has also recently launched their Bee the Change campaign, which encourages people to "fly the flag for us," Ms Stables said.
Named in reference to Mikeysline's bee mascot – which also features in Johnstons branding – it is hoped that Bee the Change Champions will benefit local communities.
Johnstons of Elgin vice chairwoman Jenny Urquhart said: "We're so proud of Darcie for everything she has done generally and just how she has grown since we met her – when she was still at Elgin High."
She added: "Darcie and everyone, all employees involved in the fundraising for 2023, raised a phenomenal amount for Mikeysline.
"Mental health and physical health go hand in hand.
"Around the same time as Mikeysline was created, about six years ago, Johnston's of Elgin trained our first round of mental health first aiders and we currently have 20.
"And now Mikeysline will be a new signpost for all employees for them to use.
"We are now looking forward to continuing our understanding and action around mental health."
Ms Stables said: "I think it's important to acknowledge the generosity of this.
"We heavily rely on community and corporate donations and to receive a phenomenal amount of money like this is going to make such a massive difference in the Moray area.
"I'm extremely grateful to Darcie and all the team that got behind her.
"We are looking forward to working with them in the future, with support workshops.
"And of course feeding back to them what a difference this money has made.
"A huge thanks to everybody that supported Mikeysline throughout the duration of the year."
