It’s a tough trek to the top of Mt Everest, but that hasn’t stopped 20 teams of staff members from Heritage Building Society in Toowoomba from launching a race to the summit.
Workmates from Clifford Gardens, Grand Central and K-Mart branches, along with multiple head office teams, have set out with the top of the world in their sights. Even more impressive is that they are doing it without oxygen tanks, parkas or gloves, and without even leaving the neighbourhood!
That’s because the teams are tackling the Everest Virtual Challenge, a unique fund-raising event sponsored by Heritage Building Society that supports sick kids at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.
The concept is simple. Teams of up to 15 people are aiming to walk 10,000 steps a day in the two weeks between May 17 and 30. If they do that, the team will collectively total 2.1 million steps, which is the equivalent of walking to the top of Mt Everest.
Teams use pedometers to track their steps and gather sponsors along the way. All money raised goes to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The target is $150,000 by the end of the two weeks.
Heritage CEO John Minz said the event was potentially life-changing, in more ways than one.
”Each year, the Royal Children’s Hospital cares for more than 30,000 children from all over Queensland and beyond. About 60 per cent come from regional and rural areas.
“Through the support of the community, the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation works wonders for sick kids by investing in groundbreaking research leading to faster diagnoses, better treatments and ultimately cures for childhood illnesses.
“The money raised by the Everest Virtual Challenge contributes directly to these life-changing projects.
“And the Challenge is fantastic because it also encourages people to improve their own health by getting out and exercising. Walking 10,000 steps a day could be life-changing- and perhaps life-saving – for participants as well.
Altogether Heritage Building Society has entered almost 400 staff members in 33 teams – that’s from a total staff of 700. If you would like to help sponsor the Everest Virtual Challenge event, inquire at your local Heritage branch or log onto the website at www.workingwonders.com.au.
| Andrew Fox |
| Public Relations Manager |
| 0419 714 204 |
