Emmaus Big Marathon Month sees communication specialists raise funds for the Preston branch

Online Systems staff have been raising money for Emmaus Preston

Employees from communications specialists Online Systems have teamed up to complete a long-distance fundraising challenge in support of homelessness charity Emmaus Preston.

20 staff from Cumbria-based Online Systems are aiming to walk a combined distance of 500 miles throughout June.

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The challenge is part of the Emmaus Big Marathon Month where supporters are encouraged to walk, run or cycle the distance of a marathon throughout the month to raise money for the charity.

Lynn Atkinson, Internal and Mobile Accounts Specialist at Online Systems, said: “I recently had a meeting with Stephen from Emmaus Preston, where he told me about what Emmaus do and how they helped a young lady called Karen.

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“Karen’s story really got to my heart because I could relate to her story. During these times of a global pandemic and mental health awareness I think the Emmaus charity deserves recognition, and for people like us to help fund their amazing work.”

Emmaus Preston provides a home, work and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. Emmaus operates three large charity stores in the city with all the money raised used to help people out of homelessness.

Stephen Buchanan, Director at Emmaus Preston, said: “Online Systems have supported our charity for a number of years and we’re extremely grateful to the team for taking on their latest fundraising challenge.

“It has been a difficult year for our charity with the ongoing pandemic and multiple lockdowns. The much-needed funds raised by the Online Systems team will help us recover and directly benefit the formerly homeless people we support.”

Online Systems provide business telephone systems, mobile phone solutions, IT services, and high-speed internet to organisations across the UK. The firm was established in 1992 and has grown to become the region’s leading provider of communication solutions.

To find out more or support the Online Systems charity fundraiser, visit their JustGiving page.