The strange methods of travel were part of the 12-hour ‘Antalis Pink Mile’, a sponsored continuous loop around the perimeter of the Antalis head office in Coalville, Leicestershire, which measures about a mile.
All departments took part in the Pink Mile, in aid of the Breast Cancer Now charity. Many dressed up in a variety of costumes, from two people in a giant pink bra and pants to 1970s outfits, cheerleaders and roller skaters.
They travelled 90 miles in total. Raising £580, and rising, on the company’s Just Giving page.
Communication manager Samantha Brown said: “We normally do a raffle and we ask our main suppliers to contribute to it. They’re normally very generous with high-value items and luxury items like iPods and hampers. We did that again but this year we thought of what else we could do raise extra funds and get employees engaged.”
Even managing director David Hunter joined in, although he did not go as far as wearing a pink bra, reserving his contribution to a smart pink shirt suitable for business.
Warehouse worker Mark Farmer, of Antalis’ conversion department, however had no such qualms. Employees donated £1 each to wear casual and pink clothes.
He won the costume competition after coming to work in a pink nightie and a pink wig.
“We thought he did really well to actually stomach that outfit for the day, especially at this time of year,” Brown said.
The company also held an Antalis Big Pink Bakeoff with Hunter’s PA, Karen Matthews, and regional finance director Steve McCue posing as Great British Bake Off judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, complete with masks, to judge the competition.
The winner, with a pink ice cream cake, was Helen Oakes from the connect team, which works with designers.
Brown added: “We have been overwhelmed with the response from our employees and customers this year, and are extremely proud to have raised £4,500 for a great cause. The Wear it Pink Day was a great event for charity and a lot of fun for staff participating throughout all of our branches.”
Antalis also donated £1 for every customer order placed on the day for Conqueror and Vibac Products. There was also a paper plane competition, fancy dress competition, the Antalis Pink Bake Off competition and a book sale.
The company has so far raised £4,500 for the Breast Cancer Now charity and its Just Giving page is still open for donations.
Antalis has been supporting the event for more than a decade.
