Staff at the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) are giving a campaign to raise funds for Ukrainian families and refugees one final push this week, after a team of hikers and cyclists completed the West Highland Way in Scotland on Saturday (28 May).
The fundraising campaign has so far raised over £3,100 of support for those impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the team who took on the charity hike and ride are aiming to pass the £4,000 mark over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend.
The money raised will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).
One last push
Manie Mostert, a project lead at the IOE&IT and the organiser of the campaign, has thanked everyone who has donated so far.
“We’re honoured by the support so far from families, friends, colleagues and several IOE&IT members too,” he said. “If we can get to the £4,000 mark, we will be doubly delighted. It’s for a great cause so I hope we can do it and I implore anyone reading this to donate!”
96 miles
The campaign has been named ’96 miles for freedom’, reflecting the distance of the West Highland Way for the hikers.
William Barns-Graham, executive editor at the IOE&IT and part of the hiking team, said the walk was challenging but worthwhile.
“We saw it all on the trail,” he said. “There were the ups and downs through Glencoe and the Devil’s Staircase, the slippery paths along Loch Lomond, and there was rain, hail, gusts of wind and beaming sunshine, often within an hour.”
“Although our feet and backs are still quite sore, it’s been for a great cause,” he added.
Heavy load
The six hikers camped each night on the seven-day walk, carrying all their equipment as they trekked.
IOE&IT director general Marco Forgione and marketing manager Jonathan Seaton also completed the cycling route across two days.
How to donate
The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of international crisis.
You can donate to the IOE&IT fundraising campaign to raise funds for the DEC via this GoFundMe page here.