From July 15 to 18, Kidlington-based adhesives supplier Intertronics has arranged a virtual cycle relay of over 500 miles to raise money for homelessness charity Emmaus Oxford. Called Wheeling to Wiesbaden, the event involves cycling the distance between Intertronics' Oxfordshire facility and the headquarters of supplier Dymax Europe in Wiesbaden, Germany.
The company aims to raise 5,000 for Emmaus Oxford to support homeless people in the local community; click here to donate on JustGiving. Intertronics team members, suppliers, customers, and friends are invited to take part. To keep participants motivated, Intertronics has plotted a real life route for the virtual event, which will highlight milestones on the way.
Emmaus Oxford provides active support to 28 formerly homeless people. The charity provides a real, alternative solution to homelessness that works; providing people with a home for as long as they need it. It offers meaningful work opportunities in social enterprises to help formerly homeless people gain valuable experience, new skills and a route into independence.
The 5,000 targeted could fund nearly four months of a room for someone, 385 hours worth of sessions with a support worker, or 200 counselling sessions.
"While it's certainly going to be an endurance challenge, the event is designed to allow our entire team, and wider network, to participate in a way that they feel comfortable with," said Ben Swanson, Chief Commercial Officer at Intertronics. "We might see some people having a short cycle on their lunch break, and I expect our more competitive team members will try to rack up more miles than anyone else.
"This event aligns closely with our company values," added Swanson. "We are proud to support our local community, especially as we are collaborating with customers, friends, and suppliers."
To encourage its team to be active in the local community, all employees at Intertronics are offered the opportunity to take an extra day of paid holiday to do something charitable. This collaborative initiative helps employees to use their charity time to achieve a shared goal.
Intertronics supplies adhesives, coatings, sealants, and equipment to customers with high technology, high performance assembly applications, including manufacturers in electronics, medical devices, plastics, optical, automotive, energy, defence, and aerospace. It has a custom-designed Technology Centre for hands-on demonstrations and trials.