Ambitious paperclip charity challenge gets underway.

Ambitious paperclip charity challenge gets underway.

A charity volunteer is putting his day job sales skills to the ultimate test for Mikeysline.

Armed with a humble paperclip, Inverness estate agent, George King, is aiming to trade up the stationery for higher value items with the final proceeds going to the mental health and suicide prevention charity.

The 27-year-old is hoping to emulate the success of previous efforts in the US which have seen similar small tokens swapped up to high value goods, and he has big hopes of his own.

George said: “Having volunteered with Mikeysline for the past 7 years I have first-hand experience of what the charity’s support means to our service users. Fundraising is key to ensuring we can reach as many people as possible which is why the tenth anniversary is the perfect time to embark on this creative challenge.”

“The ultimate goal is to trade my paperclip up to a house, to be sold with all proceeds going to Mikeysline. It’s an ambitious target but with the charity as my motivation and the support of my employer Hamish Homes, I’m confident I can achieve my target. I’m already receiving offers of potential swaps and can’t wait to get started.”

Launched in 2015 following the tragic deaths of two good friends within 48-hours, Mikeysline has grown from a single text for help hotline to also offering 1:1 support at their Inverness Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hives, as well as supporting local schools and businesses.

Steven Murray, Hamish Homes Director, said: “All of us here at Hamish Homes fully support George’s fundraising mission for Mikeysline. Since 2015 the charity has established itself as a symbol of hope for those who feel they have nowhere to turn during their darkest moments. Its longevity is a testament to the vital work they do throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray and how needed they are. We’re behind George every step of the way and look forward to sharing his journey with everyone on our social media platforms.”

Emily Stokes, CEO for Mikeysline, said: “George is such an important part of our support team here at Mikeysline, volunteering for our text line, events and men’s group. Selfless individuals like him are the reason we can reach out to those struggling in their darkest moments. This brilliant challenge will not only provide a unique and engaging fundraising opportunity, but the added bonus of further investment into our lifeline services. Everyone has the ability to bee the change and George is really putting that into action. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes him.”

Open to all schools, businesses, community groups and individuals, the 10 for 10 challenge is an opportunity for some creative fundraising through a series of self-appointed tasks from scaling munros to community clean ups. We hope that within 10 swaps George will meet his objective or be well on the way!

There are lots of ideas on their website: https://mikeyslineold.vhostevents.com/get-involved/10-challenges-for-10-years/

If you feel you can help George in this challenge, then please email g.king@hamish-homes.co.uk

Pictured: Mikeysline volunteer, and Hamish Homes estate agent, George King, gets his first swap underway with Bee the Change Manager, Allana Stables, at the Inverness Hive on Strothers Lane.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the north of Scotland; and offers face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters, and in Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin, Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk – or find Mikeysline on Facebook and Instagram  and Tiktok