Funktion Fitness is excited to receive a ‘Zoo Hero’ award for their fundraising exercise classes that they have held at Jersey Zoo, raising in excess of £1,000.
Back in June, Durrell called for people to support them and get behind their ‘Love Your Zoo’ appeal as the effects of Covid-19 devastated their income.
The charity faced an uncertain future at that time as revenue reduced by 80%. It costs £130,000 a month to care for the Zoo’s 1,200 animals and the Zoo also needs around £700,000 a month to continue its mission of saving species from extinction.
Determined to help, Funktion Fitness came up with the idea of holding weekly circuit classes in the grounds of Jersey Zoo to help raise funds. Each week more and more people turned out for the unique sessions, along with many of the Durrell Team. In recognition of their efforts and to thank those who have attended the fitness sessions, Jersey Zoo has awarded them a ‘Zoo Hero’ accolade.
Beth Gallichan, Fundraising Manager at Durrell, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who got behind our ‘Love Your Zoo’ campaign and the team at Funktion Fitness have been incredible holding classes every week at Jersey Zoo, which I also enjoyed attending. We want to say a special thank you to everyone who has attended the classes every Saturday morning over the past number of months to work out, supporting our vision for a wilder, healthier, more colourful world. The animals have been intrigued and have enjoyed watching the classes too!”
Nick Dingle from Funktion Fitness said: “It has been great fun taking classes each week with the Funktion team in such a special and unique location. All of our clients have really enjoyed seeing the animals whilst they have worked out and we’ve been blown away by everyone’s support. Numbers have grown week on week and people have turned out no matter the weather. We feel honoured to have received a ‘Zoo Hero’ award and we are committed to continue to support such worthwhile and important charity.
“In light of the recent pandemic events, we have had to postpone all our classes until the end of the year. But we hope to get back to our weekly Saturday outdoor training sessions at Jersey Zoo as soon as possible in the new year. We will be back, and we would love to see new people join us in 2021. Everyone is welcome! Watch out for updates on social media”.
