Eight exciting reasons to March in March 

March in March with Islington & Camden Giving: taking steps towards equality

Are you an Islington or Camden-based business? If so, we invite you to take part in March in March and help us raise vital funds for local groups. The task is simple: You and your team challenge yourselves to walk 10,000 steps a day (or as many as you can) every day in March. As an Islington business, you’ll be competing with Camden businesses and other local teams, and we’ll announce the winning borough, team and business in the first week of April. Thinking about signing up? Here are eight reasons why that’s a great idea. 

1. Step towards equality

As an Islington business, you will know that not everyone in our community lives a comfortable life and the level of inequality is stark. Help us raise vital funds for local groups to ensure everyone has equal access to activities, support and services. From supporting young people, older residents to families, you could help us to continue funding projects that truly make a difference to people’s lives. 

2. Support your health and wellbeing 

From reducing stress, boosting energy to supercharging creativity, research shows the many benefits of regular walking, exercise and breaks during the day. What’s more, according to What Works Centre for Wellbeing, wellbeing includes self-determination, the quality of our relationships and our sense of purpose.  Join March in March and boost your mental and physical health and wellbeing, while raising funds for potentially life-changing projects. 

3. Fund life-changing opportunities 

“Young Grant Makers gives us the power and a voice to provide life- changing opportunities,” said Michelle, one of our Young Grant Makers. Among our work and in placing young people at the heart of decision-making, our 2021 Young Grant Makers have funded projects that positively impact young people’s health, wellbeing, creativity and potential. These include hip-hop theatre company Breakin Convention and the ‘Out the Box’ project, Eat Club: a charity helping young people explore healthy eating and cooking, and a bike maintenance club run by a local policeman, which offers mentorship to young people at risk of street violence. Join us in making a difference to more young people in your borough

4. Get your business noticed 

Building trust is the gold-dust of any business! Continue being an active and contributing business in our community and build trust with new and existing customers and supporters. With the growth and importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR), take part in March in March and demonstrate your care and concern for individuals and groups in our community who need extra support. 

5. Cultivate team morale 

A recent report highlights how employee volunteering and community participation leads to increase motivation, productivity, and wellbeing. Part of this occurs because it encourages individuals to feel like they are part of something bigger. In the same report, 79% of employees reported improvements in their sense of mission at work, and 94% felt they had a better understanding of social issues. Take part in March in March and experience some of these benefits with your own team! 

6. Set goals and develop yourself 

To develop in any aspect of life – be it, physical, mental or professional, you must challenge yourself. Set goals while boosting your confidence, self-determination and wellbeing. You’ll be proud at the end of each day, working towards your daily step-goal and accomplishing it. Remember to use your pedometer, smartphone or smartwatch to witness your progress in real-time and experience the mental rewards! You can also download our free spreadsheet to track your progress.   

7. Do as much as you can!

Being healthy means different things to different people, and each of us has our own mental and physical capacities. The key is to develop a healthy relationship with exercise. So, whether you walk, run or stroll, we encourage each of you do what you can. From your commute to and from work, your lunch break trip to the shops or cafes, weekend walks, or after work gym classes – your steps can also be clocked anyway you like. 

8. Engage with the community 

Connect with your colleagues in new and engaging ways, whether it’s a visit to one or more of Islington’s local parks and green spaces, signing up to local class or activity, or a creative photoshoot around the neighbourhood. You may want to visit the world-famous Sadler’s Wells, Emirates Stadium, or exciting developments like Global Generation’s Floating Garden, funded by Islington Giving’s Young Grant Makers. Have fun, get social and tag @isgiv in your photos and videos and we’ll repost! 

To learn more or sign up, email the Islington Giving team anu.liisanantti@islingtongiving.org.uk