11 May 2026
The Rainy Day Trust’s Mad March Million challenge logged an outstanding 2,277,000 steps during March, more than doubling its original one-million-step target in a sector-wide wellbeing campaign.
The month-long challenge, delivered with Wellbeing People, encouraged participants to complete just ten extra minutes of movement each day, bringing together 20 teams and 136 people from across the home improvement and home enhancement industries.
A team from Bira head office, known as “The Sole Traders”, committed to adding at least 10 minutes of daily activity throughout March, taking on everything from dog walks and dance and fitness classes to running challenges and even climbing Pen Y Fan in support of the fundraiser.
The campaign saw 86% of participants complete at least one day of the challenge, while 27 people maintained a full 28-day streak across the month.
IRSAP topped the leaderboard on points after widespread engagement across the business, while the Builders Merchants Federation secured the top fundraising spot in support of the Rainy Day Trust’s work helping industry colleagues facing hardship.
“The stories we heard at both presentation events reminded us why this campaign exists,” said Anna Skeats, CEO of the Rainy Day Trust. “People felt better. Teams felt closer. And whole organisations … not just the registered participants got involved. That is so powerful.”
Participant feedback also showed improvements in mood, energy levels and workplace relationships, with 94% saying they would take part in another Rainy Day Trust campaign.
The charity is now preparing its next initiative, Thousand Smiles, which will launch in September 2026 and encourage participants to carry out one random act of kindness each day throughout the month to promote wellbeing and human connection across the industry.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
Image credit: Rainy Day Trust
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