ESS Defence, specialist provider of foodservice and FM to military establishments across the UK, has raised over £24,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund and the RAF Benevolent Fund through a creative fitness and fundraising challenge.
Team members from the company’s Wales & West Midlands region challenged themselves to cover 40,075 km, the earth’s circumference, in just 80 days, while hosting numerous special events to raise money for their chosen charity partners.
Colleagues walked, ran, cycled and rowed their way across the globe, logging their collective mileage as they went, with clients, customers and other industry partners also contributing to the target. At the same time, teams from sites across the region held themed global cuisine events, bake sales, afternoon teas, raffles and a sponsored football match.
The fundraising campaign culminated in a charity dinner night where ESS chefs prepared an impressive three-course meal while guests had the opportunity to enter a raffle and silent auction. The team had passed their distance goal the night before the event, giving even greater cause for celebration!
In total, the challenge participants logged 2,432 activities and clocked up 46,212 km.
As well as the satisfaction of supporting two important charities, ESS colleagues reported additional benefits. There were great team building activities with regular group walks on sites and a hike up Pen y Fan, alongside opportunities to collaborate with clients during fitness challenges. Individuals also described positive health and wellbeing impacts as they increased the amount of movement in their daily routines to support achievement of the target.
Funds will be presented to the charities at a special reception in the coming weeks.
The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity for soldiers, former soldiers and their families.
The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF's leading welfare charity for all serving and former members of the RAF and their families.
Graham Whitehouse, Regional Director – Army Benevolent Fund, commented:
“We are incredibly grateful to the entire ESS Wales & West Midlands team for their outstanding effort and commitment in supporting the Army Benevolent Fund and the RAF Benevolent fund through their ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ challenge. Raising over £24,000 is a truly remarkable achievement and a testament to their creativity, teamwork, and generosity.
Not only have they made a significant financial contribution, but they’ve also brought people together across sites and communities to support the wider military family. These funds will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of soldiers, veterans, and their families who rely on our help.
On behalf of everyone at the Army Benevolent Fund, thank you for going the extra mile literally and figuratively to stand with those who serve.”
Gabbi Walker, Relationship and Contract Governance Manager – ESS, commented:
“I’m absolutely thrilled that we successfully completed our ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ challenge – and even more delighted with the money raised! It’s been an incredible journey, with our teams demonstrating tireless dedication, generosity and creativity in their fundraising efforts. It’s a phenomenal achievement and a true testament to the power of teamwork and shared purpose.”
Bob Gray, Managing Director – ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace, added:
“We’re committed to supporting our military charity partners and what a great example this challenge has been! Not only have our Wales & West Midlands colleagues worked alongside our clients and customers to cover an amazing distance, but they have also put considerable time and effort into creating a varied and engaging fundraising plan. Thank you to everyone who has participated to support two organisations who do such valuable work for our clients and customers.”
ESS is committed to delivering social value to the communities it operates in, as part of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Social Promise to positively impact the lives of one million people by 2030.
