MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
To mark the 15th anniversary of international development charity Transaid, and the start of Transaid’s London to Amsterdam Cycle Ride, staff at the Freight Transport Association are holding a fundraising day today (Friday 13 September), with the aim of raising funds for the charity through activities taking place at FTA’s various offices.
Transaid is an international development charity that identifies, champions, implements and shares local transport solutions to improve access to basic services and economic opportunity for people in Africa and in developing countries. Transaid is particularly concerned with improving transport solutions in relation to healthcare, livelihoods and road safety.
Transaid’s second European cycle challenge, a ride from London to Amsterdam, takes place from 13 to 16 September, covering over 335km in just three days. To show their support, staff at FTA’s Tunbridge Wells and Leeds offices will collectively aim to cycle the same distance – 335km – using exercise bikes and also including staff in the Cycle to Work scheme who will be cycling into the office that day, with their distance contributing to the overall target.
Other fundraising events being held on the day include a competition for the fastest kilometre cycled, dressing down for £1, car and bike washes, health checks and a company-wide raffle.
The total sum raised by FTA staff will be added to the £15,000 donated to Transaid during 2013 (year-to-date) under the association’s membership renewal fundraising scheme, which gives FTA members the opportunity to make a donation to Transaid along with their annual membership fees.
A year ago FTA presented Transaid with a cheque for £150,000 to mark the total funds raised by FTA’s membership renewal fundraising scheme, and other events up to the summer of 2012. Since then the association has donated 25 laptops to Transaid, which was also the charity of choice for the FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards event which took place in May.
Theo de Pencier, FTA’s Chief Executive said:
"We are delighted that FTA members, staff and colleagues have shown such generosity and goodwill over the past year in order to raise further funds to support the important work that Transaid carries out. I am sure that the enthusiasm of everyone involved will make Friday’s fundraising event a resounding success."
Gary Forster, Transaid’s Chief Executive said:
"Over the past few years FTA has given us tremendous support in addressing transport related issues in Africa through its financial support, secondment of professional volunteers and fundraising activities. This event is yet another example of how the UK industry cares about international development and contributes to Transaid’s vital work."
Donations can be made to the FTA fundraising day at http://www.justgiving.com/FTACycle2013 and further information on Transaid’s London to Amsterdam Cycle Ride can be found at http://www.transaid.org/
