Surveying companies across the UK are being urged to join a new charity challenge in aid of Lionheart, the independent charity for RICS professionals.
Kicking off from 1 June, ‘The Bushtucker Trail’ challenge is open to any surveying company in the UK, with the organisers particularly wanting those individuals within a firm’s training academy, or in the early stage of their career, to take part.
Academies within Countrywide Surveying Services, e.surv Chartered Surveyors, Sava and SDL Surveying are already signed up, with teams of 25 competing against each other to see how far along ‘The Bushtucker Trail’ route they can move over the course of the month by walking, running, cycling and swimming.
The Trail runs from Melbourne to Cairns which takes in the entire East Coast of Australia and is approximately 4,800 kilometres – just shy of 3,000 miles.
The progress of any team taking part will be captured via the Strava app, and plotted on the ‘Bushtucker Trail’ charity map, with updates posted on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
At the end of the month, the firm/academy that has moved the most distance will be declared the winner.
All teams taking part will be raising money for LionHeart – a charity focused on helping RICS members and their families in times of need. From APC candidates, right through their career and into retirement, to past members and their partners and dependents, LionHeart is focused on those who require help, from providing financial grants to confidential advice and counselling, through to legal and work-related support.
Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/team/bushtuckertrail
Last year, Countrywide and SDL Academies went head to head in a Route 66 Charity Challenge in aid of Lionheart, raising over £3,6000 in the process.
Sarah Chalmers-Stevens, head of professional development at CSS, said: “Last year we managed to raise a significant amount of money for Lionheart, and we’d like to open up this year’s Charity Challenge to the entire surveying community. We’ve already been joined by e.surv and Sava this year, but we’re really hoping for multiple teams to join us in order to heighten the competition and increase the amount of money we can raise.”
Adrian Drummond, assistant training & quality care manager at SDL Surveying, added: “In 2022, ourselves and Countrywide went head to head across the US, so this year we’re ‘heading’ to Australia and really hoping that other surveyors will get involved, particularly those who have strong Academy set-ups. Taking part is great fun and we’re doing it for a really worthwhile cause that makes a big difference in our sector.”
Claire Martin, learning & development technical partner at e.surv Chartered Surveyors, concluded: “E.surv are thrilled to be joining Countrywide Surveying Services, Sava and SDL to not only raise money for such an important cause linked to our profession, but also create some wonderful teamwork, have fun with colleagues within our organisation and have a great excuse to put on our trainers and get out in the fresh air.”
