Something for the weekend: Distribution network operator for electricity UK Power Networks has raised more than £48,500 for the Duke of Edinburgh charity by taking part in a walk across London.
More than 300 of the operator’s employees got ready to ramble in teams of up to seven people and took on a 20-mile Royal Ramble charity walk on Friday 24 May. The walk started at Richmond Park in west London and finished at Potters Field Park by Tower Bridge, with the first walkers completing it in less than eight hours.
Along the course, participants were provided with food and drink at various checkpoints. The Duke of Edinburgh charity provided fitness training notes and fundraising advice leading up to the walk.
Many of the employees participated in the event by using UK Power Networks’ Donate a Day scheme, which allows staff to give something back to charity by being paid to do volunteer work twice a year.
Alex Sturge, head of media, communications and engagement at UK Power Networks, said: “Our first Royal Ramble has proved to be a huge success and it’s our biggest ever fundraiser, with more than £40,000 raised for DofE towards transforming young people’s skills and opportunities in life. It was amazing to see so many of our staff out enjoying the event, supported by workers back in the offices and out in the field.”
Mark Simmons, head of powercare at UK Power Networks, added: “Aside from the finish line and raising money for a great cause, the day presents a great opportunity for team building with my team and colleagues from across the wider business. This is a great way for employees to get together to support charities and local causes, but also for the organisation to give something back to the communities that we work in daily.”
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Alex McDowell, director of fundraising at DofE, said: “The money raised will help us reach even more young people with a DofE programme, enabling them to build the skills and confidence to take on today’s toughest challenges.”
This sounds like a brilliant cause and way to raise money to us at Employee Benefits. Congratulations to all the participants!