Bidvest Noonan

A leading provider of Facilities Management Services

Social Value

Darren Kinnane is going the extra 2807 miles

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Darren Kinnane is a Bidvest Noonan Security Manager in London. This year Darren is cycling 2807 miles in aid of GAIN charity. Why 2807 miles? That is the sum total of 14 conqueror fitness challenges. We asked Darren to share what inspired him to take this challenge on.

To support GAIN charity and encourage Darren’s challenge, click here to donate.

Why did you choose to support the GAIN Charity? Tell us about its cause.

My Key Account Director Alan O’Connor deserves recognition for choosing this charity. Every year we choose a different charity to support. In October 2020 one of our colleagues’ daughter was struck down by Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is a rare autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually leading to temporary or long-term paralysis. As a team, we decided that we would help GAIN as they are the charity that raises awareness about this syndrome and they were also supporting our colleague. 

How did you come up with the idea of these virtual challenges?

The whole portfolio of our teams has been amazing doing all kinds of events to raise funds such as 100 sit-ups a day challenge. While I prefer walking, cycling, and hiking, I wanted to do my bit to help. I came across these virtual challenges and thought I can bang these out in a couple of months. I ditched my public transport card in February and bought a bicycle. It took me a month to get used to being on a bike again. 

On March 8th, I started the first of 14 virtual challenges, which you simulate and travel virtually to different routes around the world. When complete, it will total 2807 miles and I am currently 50% complete on my 5th challenge.

What motivates you to keep focused?

The fact that raising money for such a worthwhile cause in solidarity with a colleague is enough to get on the bike and keep on track, but I also get a nice sense of achievement after completing every event.

What’s been the most positive thing to come out of your challenge?

The most positive outcome from doing this challenge is that it is helping me a lot in trying to quit smoking. The trial period on the bike was very hard for me but now I see how I have progressed a lot.

What is the impact of being active on your mental health during the lockdown?

Throughout the pandemic I have been coming in to the building every day. Keeping this routine was important to me. I have a great team of ladies and gents who have been onsite during this time. I feel that as their manager it is my responsibility to be there for them especially for the days they are anxious and fed up and need a bit of levity.

Donating £10,000 to KidsOut

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We are very proud to have supported the charity KidsOut. We believe that our donation of £10,000 and all the individual gift contributions of our team to the Giving Tree have helped to bring joy to children in refuge homes over the festive season.

Donating 200,000 Face Masks

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This year we donated an incredible 200,000 facemasks to charities, schools, nursing homes, and organisations across the UK & Ireland. This feat would not have been possible without the amazing work of our people, who took time to travel and personally deliver each donation. The book doesn’t stop here as we plan to continue our campaign into 2021

Dogs for the Disabled

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This is Lana. Lana is in training to be a ‘Dogs for the Disabled’ assistance dog.

She is learning to carry out a range of practical tasks to assist profoundly disabled children and adults. She will help them to achieve greater independence and live fuller live.

Our own Sarah Scanlon is housing Lana while she undergoes her training.

‘Dogs for the Disabled’ relies on people like Sarah to help them to raise, train and care for these dogs over their entire lifetime. Dogs like Lana are provided to those who need them free of charge and ‘Dogs for the disabled’ don’t receive any government funding.

To help this charity do their work, Sarah is selling cards & calendars on their behalf:

  • Pack of 8 – €5
  • 2020 Calendars – €8​

Email: [email protected]

Supporting Focus Ireland’s Fight Against Homelessness

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Bidvest Noonan is supporting the annual Focus Ireland ‘Sponsor a Star’ campaign. This year, we have sponsored a gold star on their Christmas tree on Grafton Street.

Three families become homeless in Ireland every day, and by sponsoring a gold star, we are helping Focus Ireland change the lives of people who are homeless and in need of our help in the run up to Christmas and into the New Years. Last year, Focus Ireland supported more than 500 families out of homelessness. We hope that with our support they will reach even more families, children, and young people and help them move into a home of their own.

We are delighted to play our part in Ireland’s fight against the homelessness crisis.

KidsOut’s Giving Tree Initiative

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With Christmas fast approaching, our London head office team have decided to go without their ‘Secret-Santa’ gifts and instead treat those who need it the most. This year, they are supporting the KidsOut’s Giving Tree initiative.

This amazing cause invites firms’ employees to buy toys for children in local refuge homes rather than their fellow colleagues. Many of these children have faced hardship such as domestic violence, meaning they have been forced to leave their home and leave all their beloved possessions behind. This initiative aims to ensure these children receive a gift this Christmas.

Individual tags were placed on a tree in the office, each decorated with a child’s name, age and suggested gift. All 50 tags were taken by the London team and each have bought a present for the child they’re supporting. KidsOut will arrange the collection and distribution of the gifts.

We are delighted to take part in such a wonderful initiative that makes a huge impact, bringing much needed joy and happiness to disadvantaged children at Christmas time.