Throughout October, staff from SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), will walk, cycle, and run nearly 2000 miles as part of a virtual Tour D’Office challenge to raise money for RSABI.
David Ross, Regional Development Manager with SAC Consulting who initiated the event, said the aim of the Tour D’Office is to boost morale amongst the 130-strong consulting staff, build camaraderie and, most importantly, raise money for RSABI.
“For the past couple of years, we’ve entered teams into RSABI’s Great Glen Challenge, and it’s always been a highlight for staff”, David explained.
“This year, due to the current circumstances and cancellation of the Great Glen event, we decided to try and do something different. The concept of virtually racing around all 24 SAC Consulting offices has come up before and we decided this year is the perfect opportunity to make it happen.
“Previous fundraising challenges have been a fantastic opportunity for staff across the organisation to get to know each other. This year, teams are based on regional locations with specialists and office staff coming together to raise money for a great cause that is crucial to our industry, particularly in times of crisis.”
Head of SAC Consulting, Andrew Lacey, said: “In the current situation, charities have had to cancel their premier fundraising events which will have a major impact on their future ability to support vulnerable communities.
“RSABI provides a vital service to rural people throughout Scotland and we felt it was important to be able to continue our fundraising efforts for them despite the restrictions.
“The Tour D’Office challenge is bringing together staff, no matter where they live, with a goal to support this important charity, and ultimately each other, during this challenging time.”
Chief Executive of RSABI, Nina Clancy, said: “So many charities have been adversely impacted by lockdown and the subsequent restrictions. It’s fantastic to see SAC Consulting think outside the box regarding fundraising and I am grateful the team have decided to donate the funds to RSABI – it will really make a difference to people in the agricultural sector who are struggling.”
The full route around each of the SAC Consulting offices is 1,953.6 miles and teams are challenged to walk, cycle, or run the equivalent during October. The virtual circuit will visit all the SAC Consulting offices across Scotland and the North of England kicking off in Edinburgh before moving up the east coast, through the north east and Highlands and Islands offices, before coming down the west coast to Kendal and then back up the east coast to finish in Edinburgh.
“No doubt there will be a healthy dose of competition between the teams and some great banter too. It’s a way to inject a bit of fun into life when things aren’t very easy for lots of people”, said David.
“We will be awarding prizes for the region with the most money raised, region that has completed the most miles, individual that has completed the most miles in each category, most impressive fancy dress and the most likes on a social media post.”
Predicting what region will be first across the finish line, David Ross who heads up the North East Regional Team, said: “Even though the south east and south west have some fairly strong runners and cyclists in their team, my money is on north east taking the title of inaugural winner of the Tour D’Office!”
Those wishing to support the fundraising efforts of a specific region, or follow their progress, can do so by clicking here.