Cyclists from bp have helped raise over £150,000 for four charities supporting communities across the North-east of Scotland after completing this year's bp Coast 2 Coast charity cycle.
The annual event saw 50 people cycle 240 miles across Scotland, with funds shared between Instant Neighbour, Arbroath Football Club Community Trust, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust and The Archie Foundation, helping each organisation continue its vital work supporting local people.
For Aberdeen-based charity Instant Neighbour, the fundraising will help the organisation continue tackling poverty across Aberdeen City and Shire. For more than 40 years, the charity has provided emergency food parcels, access to affordable reused furniture and household goods, Christmas gifts for children through its Giving Tree appeal and opportunities for people to build confidence and gain skills through volunteering. The charity also offers practical advice and support to help people overcome the challenges that lead to financial hardship.
One of the cyclists riding in support of Instant Neighbour was David Rodrigues, a petrophysicist at bp, who signed up initially for the sporting challenge but discovered the event was about much more than crossing the finish line.
David said: "My initial motivation was the challenge of cycling across Scotland. It's a unique opportunity and everything is organised for you, so I thought it would be a great experience.
"But it wasn't until the second day of Coast 2 Coast that it really hit me that it isn't about me - it really is about the charities.
"I'd met my fundraising target, but then we heard from representatives of each charity. When someone spoke about Instant Neighbour and the number of people relying on food banks, it was incredibly powerful. It really brought home how important this fundraising is and exactly how the money is going to be used.
"I could relate to Instant Neighbour's work personally. My mum was a single parent when I was growing up and money was always tight. We had some difficult times, and I know what it's like to worry about making ends meet.
"I was fortunate enough to go to university, build a career and now work at bp, but hearing about the support Instant Neighbour provides made me realise just how many people are facing those same struggles today. It made completing the ride feel even more worthwhile."
The charity's impact extends beyond the people it supports directly. Volunteers are at the heart of Instant Neighbour's work, helping prepare food parcels, sort donations, support its shops and warehouse, and assist with deliveries. In return, volunteering provides many people with valuable work experience, increased confidence, improved wellbeing and new skills, with the charity tailoring opportunities to help individuals build routines, friendships and pathways back into employment.
Like almost half of Instant Neighbour's staff, Shamek Maierski began his journey with the charity as a volunteer and now works as a driver. He explained what Instant Neighbour means to him:
“I was previously a carer, so I knew what it was like to look after people in need.
“When I first started volunteering at Instant Neighbour, I was really struggling. I had been at home taking care of my son for three years and the guilt I felt for not being out working was affecting my mental health and wellbeing. Instant Neighbour gave me a reason, other than my son, to get up in the morning, have something to do, and feel needed and valued again.”
Sophy Green, chief executive at Instant Neighbour, said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone at bp who took part in Coast 2 Coast and to everyone who donated. Every pound raised will help us continue supporting individuals and families experiencing hardship across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire via our Foodbank and Giving Tree. The dedication shown by the cyclists reflects the strength of our local community, and this funding will make a genuine difference to the lives of people who need our support."
Now in its seventeenth year, the bp Coast 2 Coast cycle has raised more than £2.6 million for charitable causes, making it one of the company's flagship fundraising events. Each year, colleagues from across bp North Sea come together to take on the challenge while raising vital funds for organisations supporting communities across the North-east of Scotland.
The charities that benefit are chosen annually by bp North Sea employees, with every pound raised by participants matched by the bp Foundation, significantly increasing the impact of the fundraising.
This year's fundraising total will enable Instant Neighbour, Arbroath FC Community Trust, Aberdeen FC Community Trust and The Archie Foundation to continue delivering essential services and support to thousands of people across the region.