Care Home Colleagues And Residents Raise Thousands Travelling The Distance To The North Pole
Colleagues and residents from Leven Beach Care Home in Leven have joined Meallmore care home colleagues and residents from across Scotland to collectively raise £2,260 for charity after virtually travelling 4,800 miles in a week – the distance from Meallmore’s first home in Inverness all the way to the North Pole and back again.
400 colleagues and residents from Meallmore’s 27 care homes across Scotland joined in the challenge, to raise money for Cash for Kids – Mission Christmas, supporting children and families across each local community. Alongside raising funds, the homes also accepted toy donations, giving colleagues, families, and visitors another way to spread a little festive kindness.
The original challenge was to travel the distance to the North Pole from Inverness – 2,250 miles – but the final distance travelled was more than twice the journey, with a total of £2,260 raised and 250 gifts donated.
Working together, participants walked, jogged, wheeled and pedalled to reach the goal – complete with Christmas costumes and companions to keep spirits bright. Innovative ways to clock the miles included hand-held bauble passing; stationary cycling using adapted chairs; decorating windows from inside and group craft sessions – allowing all residents to participate happily, meaningfully and safely.
Each of the Meallmore care home challengers logged their daily miles, which were shown on the ‘North Pole progress map’, with updates shared across the Meallmore family to keep everyone connected and motivated. With daily prizes for an array of categories, including best dressed team, most festive spirit, best activity and best decorated space, the teams worked together whilst creatively competing against each other.
As well as supporting children and families through Cash for Kids, the activity brought many additional benefits to residents on the lead up to Christmas, including strengthened wellbeing and connection; fun, festive activities; movement, inclusion and team spirit. It also brought the homes together for a united goal.
Cillian Hennessey, CEO of Meallmore, said:
“This is another amazing result from our colleagues and residents; once again showcasing the incredible enthusiasm and spirit of our teams, as well as of our residents and local communities. It was brilliant to see the displays of creativity, camaraderie and Christmas cheer throughout the week – it filled my heart with festive joy!
“A huge well done to all those who racked up these miles in any way possible, as well as a special thank you to everyone who supported and donated. Cash for Kids is such a worthy cause, and I hope these fun activities help to make Christmas a little brighter for children and families across Scotland. Merry Christmas to all!”
