AusLeisure

Continuing their relationship as a partner of Beyond Blue, 24/7 gym chain Plus Fitness has raised $70,000 for the mental health charity during its National ‘Lift Yourself Up’ campaign which it ran across Australia and New Zealand during August.

Their national initiative saw over 150 of Plus Fitness' Australian-based franchisees join 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.

In addition to this, the Sydney-based gym chain ran a similar campaign with their Christchurch based New Zealand franchisees where a $1,500 was raised for The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

Plus Fitness Franchisor Nigel Miller commended all of the Plus Fitness franchisees and their staff that were involved in this fundraising initiative, commenting "last year’s efforts to raise fund 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.

“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.

“Regular exercise is of great benefit to those who experience anxiety and depression and there is a strong synergy with the services we provide and the good work that the teams at both Beyond Blue and The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand do on a daily basis.

“What our franchisees have once again achieved this August will continue to make a big difference in the lives of many people as these two amazing organisations continue to work hard to create awareness of the ever increasing importance of supporting those around us that suffer the effects of anxiety, depression or suicide.”

Advising that the charity is grateful for the lengths Plus Fitness have gone in its support of people with depression and anxiety, Beyond Blue Chief Executive Georgie Harman added "at Beyond Blue, we constantly hear from people who tell us how exercise helps them keep their mental health on track.

“So it is encouraging to see Plus Fitness promote the mental health benefits of exercise and make a real difference in the lives of its members and the wider community.

“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.

"The Support Service is completely funded by donations and for many people, is their first step towards recovery.

“On behalf of Beyond Blue, I thank Plus Fitness and its members. Your generosity will change lives for the better."

Beyond Blue also recently announced Australian owned Plus Fitness as an Official Corporate Partner alongside a number of other major Australian brands such as Qantas, Medibank and Steel 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

Those in New Zealand who need support should call 1737.

Image shows Plus Fitness Franchisors Nigel Miller and John Fuller with their Beyond Blue donation.

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