Three graduates from BAM Construction put their entrepreneurial talents to the test by taking part in a company challenge and at the same time raising money for charity.

Each year BAM’s graduates undertake either a fundraising or educational challenge. This year the trio were tasked with turning £100 into £1,000 in just two days in aid of CRASH, the construction industry’s charity of which BAM is a Patron.

Ross Gunning, a trainee site manager, Jennifer Breaden, an assistant planner and Ryan Wilson an assistant project surveyor, spent a day volunteering at YPeople where they decorated an area of its Glasgow office.

Ypeople’s Branston Court project helps vulnerable 16-25 year olds who have been affected by homelessness by providing accommodation and counselling support.

On the second day of their challenge, the graduate team took to the streets of Edinburgh to spend a day walking a mile in the shoes of a homeless person and understanding the challenges and problems homeless people encounter on a daily basis.

In just two days they smashed their fundraising target, thanks to the support of colleagues, supply chain and family and friends, and have raised £1,400.

Doug Keillor, regional director, BAM Construction, said: “We are all impressed with Ross, Jennifer and Ryan’s efforts and ability to support such a worthy cause. It’s tough out there; hopefully all involved will have learned something from their experience.”

Commenting on their achievement Ryan Wilson added: “It was a very humbling experience and although it’s a cliché, it really does make you appreciate things you take for granted on a daily basis. YPeople is a terrific organisation and the work they do is so important. To be able to help them as well as CRASH was a double bonus for us.”

CRASH provides caring environments for vulnerable people in homeless and hospice charities by offering professional expertise, sourcing building materials free of charge and awarding cash grants.