Boxing for Breadwinners: Alex’s impact beyond the ring
Our dedicated volunteer Alex recently raised money for Breadwinners by taking part in an incredible 8-week boxing competition! We sat down with Alex to ask him all about his unique fundraiser and his mentoring experience on our Risers Programme in January - have a read!
Can you tell us more about the boxing tournament and fundraiser you just completed?
I signed up to a White Collar boxing bout - it’s basically amateur boxing for charity. You train for 8 weeks to prepare for the fight and are matched with someone of a similar ability/weight.
On fight night you fight in front of circa 2000 people at the Troxy in London - you even get your own walk out song!
Why did you decide to fundraise for Breadwinners?
I had signed up for the boxing at around the time I had started mentoring with Breadwinners - the boxing bout was two days before my last mentoring session, so it made perfect sense to combine the two and raise funds for Breadwinners.
I wanted to fundraise for a smaller charity where the money could make an immediate impact to individuals that need it.
“I started boxing around the time I started mentoring with Breadwinners, so it made perfect sense to combine the two and raise funds for Breadwinners. ”
Did the competition go well? How did you do?
My bout ended up being the second last of the night, at around 11pm which meant 7 hours of waiting around! We did 3 rounds and I came out victorious via the referee’s decision.
In terms of fundraising, I set myself an aim of around £200 and ended up raising £795 which was a great motivator.
How did you find out about Breadwinners?
My girlfriend recommended the Breadwinners Programme to me after she completed the Risers Programme as a mentor.
Did you enjoy your mentoring experience?
I really enjoyed my experience as a mentor - it was fascinating to hear my mentee’s story and to provide advice and mentor where possible.
One of the greatest parts of mentoring is seeing the positive development in character and confidence in my mentee. The most challenging aspect was working on the Greenwich Peninsula market which is notably quiet on a Sunday morning, but it did provide a good time to catch up and chat!
“One of the greatest parts of mentoring is seeing the positive development in character and confidence in my mentee.”
Do you like bread? What was your favourite one on the market?
I do like bread, but I was stumped when a customer asked me the difference between Spelt Sourdough and German Rye Sourdough. Olive and Herb Sourdough is by far the best bread available!
Would you recommend mentoring to your friends? Any words of advice?
I have recommended mentoring via Breadwinners to a couple of work colleagues who have signed up and commenced mentoring. My words of advice are to approach it with an open mind and to learn as much as you mentor!
Thank you for sharing Alex! And a massive congrats on winning your first ever boxing competition while fundraising for us! What a superstar! ⭐️
Feeling inspired by Alex’s story?
This could be you! Set up your own fundraiser for Breadwinners today on GoFundMe by selecting our charity when you set up your event!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Comms Officer Delphine at delphine@breadwinners.org.uk if you have any questions & don’t forget to tag us on any platforms you choose to promote your amazing event on!