My organisation encourages charitable activities
North Highland's CSR programme is innovative because they donate money, time and business advice to a worthy cause. The programme is held together by their Community Team, a group of employees that meet regularly to discuss how the company can actively give back to the community via a number of different initiatives. “ChallengeU” is the most effective thing they do as part of the programme; the annual fundraising event is a gruelling physical challenge to raise money for WF Haven, North Highland's charity of the year. This year they endeavoured to cover the distance of 4,000miles (the distance from their London office to their Atlanta HQ). 78 people took part, each person signed up to cover a specific number of miles by cycling, running, walking or rowing, so they could reach the total target. This included a core group of cyclists who covered over 250 miles each in 18 hours, and 1 individual who ran 55 miles. The team actually achieved 5,781 miles in total, and were supported by a team of North Highlanders who stayed around the clock to co-ordinate everything, track the miles, and cheer them on. A team of 20 employees spent 6 months planning the route, organising bicycle hire, medical support, fundraising strategies and organise the celebration party at the Mosely boat club. In total they raised over £20,000 from the ChallengeU event, which went to WF Haven. North Highlands have remained involved with the charity, helping them with their governance and website design.