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AWARE NI celebrates £22,000 corporate fundraising success as businesses urged to step up for Giant Steps 2026

Posted By:
AWARE

24th Mar 2026

AWARE NI is celebrating an outstanding £22,000 raised by CRF Oil Ltd through its flagship fundraising walk, Giant Steps, as the charity calls on more businesses, community groups and individuals to sign up for this year’s event on Saturday, 6 June.

CRF Oil Ltd took part in last year’s Giant Steps event along the Causeway Coast, joining hundreds of walkers committed to raising awareness and vital funds for mental health services across Northern Ireland. Their fundraising total will directly support AWARE NI’s peer-led Support Groups, education programmes and early intervention initiatives delivered across local communities.

Now in its fifth year, Giant Steps continues to play a critical role in sustaining AWARE NI’s services. Funds raised through the event help maintain the charity’s network of 24 Support Groups, which provide safe, welcoming and confidential spaces for people experiencing depression, anxiety and bipolar.

With budgets under increasing pressure and mental ill-health continuing to impact individuals, families and workplaces across Northern Ireland, demand for support has never been greater. Corporate and community fundraising efforts, such as those led by CRF Oil Ltd, are vital in ensuring people can access free support when they need it most.

Paula McKinless of CRF Oil Ltd said taking part in Giant Steps was a natural decision for the team, given the impact of AWARE NI’s work across Northern Ireland.

“We were inspired to take part in Giant Steps because we believe in the incredible work AWARE NI does to support people struggling with mental health.

“Fundraising has been an exciting and rewarding experience for us. We learned how powerful community support can be when people come together for a great cause – from organising events to sharing the story behind Giant Steps. It feels incredibly rewarding to have raised such an amazing amount. We’re proud of what we achieved together, but even more grateful for everyone who contributed.

“It was a brilliant experience. It allowed us to come together, challenge ourselves and contribute to something bigger than us. Knowing that our efforts would help raise awareness and funds to make a real difference in people’s lives was a huge motivation.

“Reaching the halfway mark and seeing everyone’s smiles, sharing stories along the way and feeling that sense of unity was incredibly special. It wasn’t just about the distance – it was about the people we were walking for and with. That moment really captured the spirit of the whole event.”

Lesley Wright, Community and Events Officer at AWARE NI, highlighted the importance of business and community support, particularly in the current financial climate:

“Support from businesses and local communities is more important than ever. We rely on public fundraising to keep the doors of our Support Groups open and to ensure that anyone affected by depression, anxiety or bipolar can access help without delay. The £22,000 raised by CRF Oil Ltd will make a meaningful and lasting difference, and we would love to see even more organisations stepping forward for Giant Steps this June.”

Giant Steps 2026 takes place on Saturday, 6 June, with route options designed to suit a range of abilities, making it accessible for workplace teams, families, community groups and individual participants alike.

Registration is now open, and AWARE NI is encouraging businesses and individuals across Northern Ireland to get involved. More information and sign-up details are available at aware-ni.org/giant.