Rowing for Charity in Belgium

Supporting worthwhile causes is not only the right thing to do but is also a great way to bring colleagues together and demonstrate the value and impact of collaboration. At Odgers Berndtson Belgium we were keen to show that a little country can punch above its weight when it comes to making a difference. As part of Odgers Berndtson's annual; global rowing efforts to raise funds for local charities we set ourselves the local goal of raising €5000 through various fundraising activities. The first challenge was to decide on which charity to support, we asked colleagues to promote their preferred charity and put it to a vote - very democratic. The end result was too close to call but enabled us to support an organisation that makes a difference to some of the most disadvantaged young people in Belgium and another that helps some of the poorest in the world.

Mercy Ships is a global charity founded in 1978. Since that time, Mercy Ships has performed services valued at more than $1 billion, impacting more than 2.48 million of the world’s most desperate people. They have completed more than 581 port visits in 57 nations. Using hospital ships they transform lives and serve nations one at a time. With more than 50% of the world’s population living within 100 miles of a port city, a hospital ship can reach many people who need care. More information at https://www.mercyships.org

YouthStart empowers underprivileged youth through entrepreneurial education - it builds the self-confidence of young people and opens up possibilities for them to achieve their ambitions. Through training programmes it provides young people with the right knowledge, skills and mindset to become entrepreneurs of their own life. This enables them to move forward in their lives in a positive and successful way. The result? More than 80% of their alumni return to school, find employment or start their own business! More information at https://www.youthstart.be/en/

So once selected we needed to progress on the fundraising and this involved all colleagues through a variety of actions including cooking lunches, having a tombola, offering healthy snacks and other contributions. We are also grateful to some of our suppliers who also contributed Heymbeeck- Ferremans, Partena, Key Advice, Albert – Vanesse and HR Milestones. Thanks to all who contributed, rowed and made a difference - in the scheme of things €5000 may only be a drop in the ocean BUT if you are in need that drop (if it falls on you) may just make the difference... the rowing and fundraising challenge will continue and so will our Odgers Berndtson collaboration.