Simon Community NI is one of five charities set to benefit from Deloitte One Good Turn national cycling fundraiser, which began its final leg in Belfast today.
The fundraiser has seen 116 participants from Deloitte cycle all or part of the 700-kilometre route around the island of Ireland in five days, connecting all the Deloitte offices on the island of Ireland while also raising much-needed funds for mental health and homelessness charities.
One Good Turn, which started in Cork City on Monday, is Deloitte Ireland’s flagship fundraiser for 2021 and has already exceeded its target of raising €120,000.
The cyclists visited the firm’s five offices in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Belfast and Dublin, where the last leg will finish.
Charities that will benefit from the initiative include Simon Community NI, Cork Counselling Service, Jigsaw Galway, Bluebox Creative Arts Therapy and A Lust for Life.
The trip began with a 116-kilometre cycle from Cork to Limerick; followed by 114 kilometres from Limerick to Galway; 167 kilometres from Galway to Cavan; a 146 kilometres ride from Cavan to Belfast; and concluded with a 184 kilometre cycle from Belfast to Dublin. The group is made up of cyclists of all abilities, with a small number participating virtually.
As part of Deloitte’s partnership with Team Ireland, the Deloitte cyclists have been supported by a number of Ireland’s Tokyo 2020 Olympians, including Brendan Boyce, Aifric Keogh and Natalya Coyle, amongst others, who provided motivational support and guidance throughout the week.
Harry Goddard, CEO, Deloitte Ireland said:
Last year we asked our staff which causes were most important to them, with mental health coming out as one of the top responses; as a result, we will be fundraising for Irish mental health charities through One Good Turn.
The mental health and wellbeing of our people is a key priority for us, and so it is fitting that this fundraiser gives us an opportunity to support these incredible charities which are a real refuge for people in communities across Ireland and continued to be despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. The dedication shown by our team to their training and fundraising has been inspirational and we’re looking forward to the journey and hopefully meeting our fundraising target.
Jackie Henry, Office Senior Partner, Deloitte Northern Ireland and UK Managing Partner for People and Purpose, Deloitte UK said:
The last year and a half has been challenging in many ways. We wanted to do something to show the benefits that exercise and goal setting can have for our people. In addition, it’s a great opportunity for our people to reconnect with each other in a safe and engaging way.
I’m incredibly proud of all the groups taking part especially those from the Belfast office and their efforts to train and fundraise while also balancing work and family commitments. We’ve deliberately chosen charities with bases close to each of our five locations in Ireland and we are delighted to support the Simon Community in Northern Ireland and contribute to the important work they do for the homeless.
All monies raised will be split equally between the five charities. The fundraisers’ official iDonate page allows supporters to donate and also features a training map and fundraising and fitness leader boards.