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Baby loss charity launch virtual #AKADay Campaign to keep people active and connected during Covid-19

Posted: 31st March 2020

Local Edinburgh charity, Held In Our Hearts has launched a virtual #AKADay challenge to keep their community connected and raise essential funds for their work.

The charity has seen an increase in the number of families reaching out for their baby loss counselling and support services and wanted to create a challenge that enables people to keep active and connected during Covid-19.

“Like many other charities, we have seen a large number of events cancelled and wanted to create a special, virtual challenge that filled that gap and gave the community something fun and motivating to engage in.”

“In the last 2 weeks, we have provided over 83 hours of support to families individually, in couples and in groups, both face to face (online), by phone, email and text, which is a huge increase on our normal services. Now more than ever, we need to be able to continue providing support to families in the community and we know that the current crisis is having a severe effect on families’ mental health, especially for families who are pregnant again after loss.” Nicola Welsh, Chief Executive Officer

The #AKADay campaign is encouraging everyone to stay active throughout April and do 1K (or more) a day and help raise awareness of the charity’s work and raise essential funds. By the end of April participants will have walked 30K (or 18.64 miles) and feel better for it! If people are self-isolating or being shielded, they can do this in various ways – walk, jog or dance in the house or garden.

“We want this Campaign to be inclusive for everyone and are encouraging people of all ages to get involved, to have fun and stay active in such challenging times. Our events may have been cancelled, but we are stronger together and we want this Campaign to be a positive and fun event for lots of people to get involved with.” Tracy Watt, Fundraising Manager

In order to take part, the charity is asking for a £5 donation on Facebook and people can also encourage others to donate in support of their challenge. If people prefer they can also just text ONEK to 70085 where they can donate £5 to help our work.

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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