LionHeart focuses on helping RICS members and their families in times of need
Members of the training academies of Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS) and SDL Surveying have completed their Route 66 Charity Challenge, consequently raising over £3,600 for LionHeart, the independent charity for RICS professionals.
The virtual challenge – which took place over the course of June and consisted of travelling the length of the USA’s Route 66 by walking, running, cycling, and swimming – was completed by 20 individuals from both businesses’ training academies.
The teams raised a combined £1,206 in sponsorship during the challenge, but CSS and SDL both matched this amount which resulted in a final total of a £3,618 donation to LionHeart.
LionHeart focuses on helping RICS members and their families in times of need. From APC candidates, right through their career and into retirement, to past members and their partners and dependents, it extends assistance to those who require help, from providing financial grants to confidential advice and counselling, through to legal and work-related support.
Carolyn McDonald, fundraiser at LionHeart, said they were “blown away by the amazing efforts of everyone who took part in the Route 66 Challenge.”
“Despite the friendly rivalry we saw on social media, it was a brilliant team effort from both firms who gave it their all throughout June to smash the virtual distance of the whole of Route 66. Congratulations to SDL Surveying who won by completing a longer distance overall, but all the participants are winners in our eyes,” McDonald stated.
“However, the real winners in all of this are the people that LionHeart supports. We rely solely on generous donations from RICS professionals, so donations through fundraising are vital to our work. We are delighted the SDL-Countrywide challenge raised £3,618, which includes match funding from both companies. This will really help us continue to keep making a difference to people at even the most difficult of times.”
Sarah Chalmers-Stevens, head of professional development at CSS, said they were delighted to have been able to support a charity which is close to their hearts.
“It was a brilliant all-round effort from everyone involved and we are incredibly proud of the teamwork and dedication our training academy showed,” she added.
Adrian Drummond, assistant training and quality care manager at SDL Surveying, commented that while they were pleased that SDL won the challenge, the more important thing was the amount of money both academies raised for LionHeart, and the excellent work this will help fund.
“This has always been about the charity and the opportunity to all bond together as a team, as we look at developing the next generation of surveying talent,” he said.
