Around 100 staff at cruise specialist agency Iglu.com plan to clock up 2,500 hours of exercise – the time it would take to trek to Tokyo for the Olympic Games – as part of a fundraising challenge.
Each member of staff is being encouraged to do 50 minutes’ exercise per day as part of the challenge, which was chosen to help with the physical and mental wellbeing of employees.
The fundraiser, in aid of children’s charity Reuben’s Retreat, can include any type of physical activity from walking on the school run or going to a gym class to cycling, running, yoga, or tennis and gym classes.
It aims to reach its target of 2,500 hours by May 17, when the latest stage of lockdown ends and international travel is expected to restart.
Simone Clarke, senior vice president global supply at Iglu, said: “We decided to add on the opportunity for us all to donate and get some sponsorship for charity but we don’t have a set amount in mind as we’re aware that currently finances can be challenging for many.”
It is the company’s second exercise fundraiser. It previously raised money for the mental health charity Mind in a challenge that involved staff walking, running and cycling.
In 2019, Iglu also raised £2,000 for Reuben’s Retreat with a special charity raffle.
Reuben’s Retreat founder Nicola Graham said: “We are exceptionally grateful for the efforts of the team, perhaps now more than ever. It’s a huge challenge for all involved but we know they will smash it!
“Like most charities and businesses, Covid 19 has meant that we have had significantly reduced income at a time when our beneficiaries need us most.”
Reuben’s Retreat is currently supporting 467 beneficiaries and 29 individuals sought the support of the charity for the first time in March alone.
You can donate here.