October 2023 marks the fifth anniversary of Reds10’s patronage of CRASH – the construction industry’s charity. To mark the occasion, two teams took part in the annual Meet Your Mountain Challenge and Ryan Smith, a Project Manager in our Education Team, ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon. Both events took place on the weekend of 7th/8th October and raised £32,328.50 in total, earning Reds10 the 'Above and Beyond' Award at CRASH's recent Corporate Patrons' Reception.
CRASH has been the UK construction industry’s social impact partner since 1996, helping homelessness charities and hospices with their construction projects. They unite the power of the industry to do good, by channelling their professional expertise, construction products and fundraising to build places that care for the sick, vulnerable and homeless in the communities we work and live. CRASH’s work demonstrates how the construction industry, and the charitable sector can build more caring societies.
Since our partnership began in 2018, Reds10 and CRASH have worked together on charity construction projects to make a tangible difference. Projects such as Doug’s Den or creating wash bags for homelessness day centres have allowed us to give back, and Team Reds10 has always enjoyed being involved in the variety of fundraising opportunities just as much. From Dragon Boat racing, 100-mile bike rides, running and pub quizzes to our company-wide Thrive Together Challenge and two years of Meet Your Mountain, there’s been something for everyone.
Meet Your Mountain 2023
Once again taking place in Chamonix, the adventure capital of the Alps, Meet Your Mountain returned for a second year. Over the course of two days, teams challenged themselves in a hiking event requiring them (with the help of a dedicated team Guide) to plan the route and gain points from a combination of altitude gain and distance covered. Extra points were awarded for best photograph, cold water challenge and wildlife seen. Each team was required to fundraise for a charity of their choice and points were awarded for fundraising achieved.
Reds10 put forward two teams this year. Reigning champions Tom Hook, Ed Joyce and Josh Saunders were joined by Sam Hook, Henry Cook, Edward Tayler, Gino Ferrari, Karl Parker, Joe Whitby, Chris Bennett and Chris James.
“We climbed over 4000m of elevation and hiked almost 50km over the two-day challenge. This huge effort was just enough to win the challenge, but arguably more important was the collective fundraising effort in aid of CRASH. Every step taken (and blister plaster replaced) on the climb was made easier knowing that we are doing our bit to help those in need through CRASH’s great work. We are proud to have raised over £32,000 and are incredibly grateful to everyone that donated for getting behind us.”
Tom Hook, Team One Captain
The event was once again organised by CHX Challenge who provide bespoke mountain challenges and charity fundraising events in the Alps and other mountain destinations.
Donations are still open, here.
Royal Parks Half
On Sunday 8th October, Ryan Smith (Project Manager in our Education Team) took on The Royal Parks Half Marathon, London’s original half marathon. Presented by the Royal Bank of Canada, The Royal Parks Half Marathon was set up by The Royal Parks charity as an annual fundraising initiative to help conserve and enhance London’s eight Royal Parks for everyone.
Run on closed roads through four of the eight Royal Parks, it is the greenest race of its kind in the UK.
Despite a desperate lack of training, Ryan managed to complete the race in 02:15:03 on a very hot day in London.
Donations are still open, here.
“We are very proud to be one of CRASH’s Corporate Patrons, our team enjoys giving their time to help provide access to properly equipped spaces to those that need them, a cause that resonates deeply with all of us. Over the years we have enjoyed donating products, expertise and time; completing some amazing challenges to raise much needed funds to deliver projects and places that make such a massive and positive difference to the lives of those who are at their most vulnerable.”
Matt Bennion, CEO, Reds10
“This is an incredible contribution to your industry charity and has helped to construct places that care for people who are homeless, and children and adults in need of hospice care. To each of the Meet Your Mountain challengers, who literally scaled mountains to fundraise for CRASH, we are so impressed and grateful for your immense fundraising efforts. Thank you to Ryan for running in the Royal Parks Half – it is thanks to brilliant fundraisers like the Reds10 team and their commitment to helping people, that CRASH can continue constructing places that care for people who are homeless, and those in need of hospice care. Thank you.’’
Lucie Gillard, Partnership and Fundraising Manager, CRASH
Bringing together Team Reds10 professional expertise, products and donations, the value of Reds10 support to CRASH since 2018 is an incredible £270,000.