ISG fundraising campaign "Move for Charity 2021" – Moving for a good cause

This year's "Move for Charity" global challenge kicked off on 20 September. ISG invited employees, customers and partners as well as family members, friends and acquaintances around the world to get active in every way possible – regardless of whether it's jogging, cycling, swimming or yoga. The goal of the Global Challenge: to cover as much distance as possible and raise important funds for global charities and partners for mental health. Aydin Karaduman, Managing Director Europe, comments: "One in three to four Germans will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Yet, mental illness is a taboo in our society, especially in the construction industry. After our successful fundraising campaign last year, we would like to set an example again this year with our campaign promoting an open and tolerant approach to mental illness."

Participation this year took place via a dedicated ISG Move for Charity microsite. Participants could upload their activities during the 10-day campaign through this site by using Strava, the integrated fitness app. Participants were also able to keep up to date with all everyone’s progress and the latest developments, including individual rankings, team statistics and total donations collected.

Thanks to the energetic support of all participants, ISG worldwide was able to raise over £100,000 for our charities. Over €7,500 was donated to the Aktionsbündnis Seelische Gesundheit in Germany (Action Alliance for Mental Health) and to the Pro Mente Sana Foundation in Switzerland. The Swiss Pro Mente Sana foundation has been working for mental health in Switzerland since 1978. Today, it advises those affected by mental health issues, their relatives and professionals on psychosocial and legal issues relating to mental illness and health. Pro Mente Sana promotes and supports projects and services to strengthen mental health and is engages with the topic of recovery.

The Action Alliance for Mental Health is a German initiative with more than 120 member organisations, including self-help associations of people affected by mental illness and their relatives. Every year, the Action Alliance organises the nationwide "Mental Health Week" on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. Under the motto "Over the hill together – mental health in the family", more than 600 informational events were held in live and digital formats from 8-18 October 2021.

Prof. Dr. med. Arno Deister, the chairman of the Mental Health Action Alliance, personally thanked the ISG charity campaign with a personal video message, “I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the Move for Charity campaign for their great support and help. We are very pleased that mental health is close to your hearts and that you not only stand up for an open and tolerant society with your commitment, but also directly support our anti-stigma work and educational projects”. In addition, Mr. Deister emphasised, "Your donations are what makes it possible for us to implement such projects.