LandAid’s second Steptober challenge saw competition ramping up in its third week as the top steppers began to establish themselves.
The annual event throws down the gauntlet to property professionals from across the industry to take up the step challenge and help raise valuable funds to support LandAid‘s work to end youth homelessness.
This week the spotlight is on the Steptober CEO Challenge, which has pitted 12 property top dogs against each other. So far, the chief executives have taken more than 2m steps between them.
Olivia Harris, chief executive of Dolphin Living, said: “I am walking the extra tube stop, going out for a walk at lunchtime, walking up and down the stairs and, if anyone wants to have a meeting while walking along, then that works perfectly for me.”
John Munday, managing director of Paragon Building Consultancy, said: “Those who know me well will understand that the competitive element of the CEO challenge is right up my street… a street that I am now walking up and down many times each day, while at the same time hopefully raising a few quid.
“During the challenge I have seen parts of London that I have never seen before, which is really refreshing.”
Rob Bould, chairman of LandAid, who is also taking part in the challenge, said: “It is truly inspiring that some of our most recognised industry leaders are prepared to demonstrably support and be part of the evolving vision for LandAid as a sector movement for social good.”
Each week during October LandAid is hosting a Wednesday Walk. To take part and for more information, visit www.landaid.org.
Main photo: LandAid chief executive Paul Morrish taking part in the Steptober CEO Challenge
Aitch fun day helps battle knife crime
London developer Aitch Group sponsored a fun day for the property industry and raised more than £4,000 for the Wickers charity.
The anti-knife crime charity was founded by Aitch Group chief executive Henry Smith last year and provides a safe haven for young people aged 8 to 18 in east London, offering education, mentoring, guest speakers and sports activities in a safe space.
The event saw more than 100 property professionals come together to compete in classic fete games such as the egg-and-spoon race, three-legged race and tug of war at the East London Rugby Club in Plaistow.
Participating firms included Equifinance, Knight Frank, Alan Camp Architects, Kalmars, Savills, Michael Stone, Stirling Ackroyd and ND London. After several hours of sport and entertainment, the event was won by Strettons.
A guitar signed by pop icon Harry Styles from One Direction – one of the lots in the charity auction – saw participants dig deep to raise hundreds of pounds.
Highwood provides a bright footballing future
Developer Highwood Group has announced that it will sponsor AFC Stoneham football club for the 2019/20 season.
The local firm undertook the delivery of the grass football pitches and facilities of the club’s new football hub at Stoneham Lane, near Southampton Airport, to which the club will move at the end of the year.
Highwood’s sponsorship of the children’s teams will help to ensure the future growth and development of the club.
Audley Group’s £30,000 fundraising efforts
UK retirement village provider Audley Group has raised more than £30,000 for charity in 2019.
Its most recent event saw staff from across the company take part in the Blenheim Palace charity 10km run during September, raising £5,000 for the British Heart Foundation.
The team, which included managing director of operations Paul Morgan, raced through the spectacular grounds of the estate and was greeted at the finishing line by Audley Group chief executive Nick Sanderson.
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