The Big Ride for Africa in aid of Lessons for Life took place this year from June 21st. The event saw a team representing Friends First donning their lycra and cycling 273 kilometers over 2 days from x London to Belgium.
The team comprised of Friends First staff, family and members of the Broker community. Cyclists included Brian O’Neill, Jacqueline Burke, Simon Manby, John Whitten, Michael Barrett and Hans Nijhuis (Achmea). Shane O’Halloran of Coughlan Coleman Hughes (CCH) in Cork also completed the cycle as part of the team representing Friends First.
The team representing Friends First departed from Chigwell, just outside of central London, soon leaving behind the buzz of the city as they continued through the country roads to Harwich. After catching an overnight ferry, the team travelled on Dutch country roads and cycle paths to eventually arrive in Mechelen, Belgium. There, all the teams joined to celebrate an amazing achievement in true Belgian style.
The lycra-clad heroes from Friends First pedalled hard for 10,000 futures, for kids in the poorest parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The funds raised by the participants of The Big Ride for Africa will change lives and send 10,000 kids to school.
Brian O’ Neill, Friends First, with Shane O’Halloran, CCH, during the Big Ride for Africa
By focusing on education, Lessons for Life have set children on a path to better-paid work, financial independence, safety and hope. They get children learning in safe, inspiring classrooms and support families while they learn. Their combined approach means that they turn the lives around of not just one child, but whole communities.
Lessons for Life is one of three charity partners supported by Friends First. Other partners include the Irish Cancer Society and Aware. The aim of the partnership is to promote mutually beneficial engagement and support between the charity and Friends First, which includes fund raising and staff volunteering to work with the selected charities. Learn more about The Big Ride for Africa and the education projects supported by Lessons for Life here.
Friends First believes that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not just a function or department but a philosophy integrated into our company. It is how we operate our business and stems directly from our core values.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all involved with the Big Ride for Africa.
Friends First Staff Simon Manby and John Whitten with Hans Hijhuis, Achmea