22 Mar 2022

A team of fundraisers from Hardstaff Barriers are seeking support from colleagues and clients, as they complete the final leg of a virtual walk from Nottinghamshire, in the United Kingdom to Ukraine, in order to raise money for the humanitarian effort.

On March 8, 2022, the colleagues began collectively walking the distance from their office, in central England, to the center of Ukraine, covering a distance of 1,610 miles. Spurred on by the atrocities in the country caused by the Russian aggression, they have already covered more than 1,400 miles, with a week still to go, until the end of their challenge.

Raising funds for Ukraine war victims

Moved by the conflict in Ukraine, our team has been walking as much as possible, to raise as much money as possible"

Kathryn Cooper, the Head of Environment, Social and Corporate Governance, at VRS Solutions Group, of which Hardstaff Barriers is a part, said “Moved by the conflict in Ukraine, our team has been walking as much as possible, to raise as much money as possible, over the last couple of weeks.

She adds, “We’re delighted to have almost ‘reached’ Ukraine already. We are determined to keep on walking as much as we can, until the end of March. We may even make it back to Nottinghamshire again.

Donations Made to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

So far, the colleagues have achieved half of their £1000 funds target, thanks to donations from colleagues, friends and family. The money raised will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, set up following the invasion of the country at the end of February 2022 by Russian forces.

How the money raised will help:

  • £30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month.
  • £50 could provide blankets for four families.
  • £100 could provide emergency food for two families for one month.

Commitment to staff health and well-being

As well as raising money for this important cause, Hardstaff Barriers’ fundraising efforts are also supporting its commitment to staff health and well-being. Since the challenge began, colleagues have been enjoying more frequent strolls together in the sunshine, surrounded by nature, in the countryside, around the Hardstaff Barriers office in the United Kingdom.

Kathryn Cooper stated, “The victims of the war in Ukraine are never far from our thoughts. If our efforts raise enough money to help just one person affected by the conflict, we’ll be glad. Not only is the challenge raising money for the humanitarian effort, but it is also encouraging our team to spend more time exercising outdoors, which is of great benefit to our physical and mental health.