Swiss and UK staff at Mondelēz International raise charity funds with virtual challenge
Global confectionery and snacks group Mondelēz International staff from Switzerland and the UK have taken part in a virtual challenge aiming to raise £10,000 for charity through socially-distance cycling and running initiatives.
The scheme was devised after the team’s annual charity cycle ride was postponed due to the impact of coronavirus, with the group working towards its core 2020 fundraising target. Each person was able to complete their miles however they could, with government guidelines on safe exercising amid the covid-19 crisis.
Throughout the past month, 42 employees clocked up an impressive 11,903 miles, beating their target for the challenge and initially raising £1,340. The Cadbury Foundation stepped in to match the total raised and Mondelēz International’s employees also chose to donate to each charity through the company’s BOOST employee wellbeing initiative – bringing the total to an incredible £3,340.
An impressive 30 team members from the snacking company’s Bournville site took part, with the rest of the group comprised of employees from Mondelēz International’s other sites in Zurich, Uxbridge, Sheffield, Marlbrook and Chirk.
In addition for the challenge, the team raised money for both Acorns Children’s Hospice and Grocery Aid. The hospice provides vital care for life limited and life threatened children and support for their families.
As the company explained, Grocery Aid helps people across the whole of the grocery industry – from the largest factory, through the supply chain, to the smallest store. The charity provides support to members of the industry in times of need, both financially and emotionally.
Catriona Newman, of Mondelēz International, said: “We’re so happy to have been able to complete this challenge and we’re thrilled to have gone further and raised more money than we originally set out to do.
“Both charities are incredibly important to the beneficiaries they support, so we’re happy to be able to continue supporting them with our fundraising. We are still planning on completing our charity cycle ride later this year to boost our funds, either as planned or virtually.”
Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, said: “With COVID-19 disrupting so many of our colleagues fundraising initiatives, we’re proud that the team didn’t let it stop them from raising money for two deserving charities. The Mondelēz International April 10,000 was an incredible undertaking and we want to thank everyone for their unwavering support.”
