A community initiative led by an Elior UK manager has received national recognition after being featured in the latest edition of Rotary GB&I Magazine.
Marius Coste, Group Manager at Elior UK and founder of the Miles of Smiles initiative, has been recognised for his work supporting mental health awareness, fundraising and community engagement through an ambitious 82-week challenge.
The initiative sees Marius complete at least 50 kilometres every week by walking, running or cycling - often dressed as well-known superheroes - to bring smiles to children, patients and communities while raising funds for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and Clan Cancer Support.
The feature in Rotary GB&I Magazine highlights the positive impact the campaign has had across schools, and local communities, while recognising the role that collaboration between businesses, charities, volunteers and community organisations can play in creating meaningful social value.
Marius said: “It is a real honour to see Miles of Smiles featured by Rotary GB&I. Rotary has a long and respected history of supporting communities, so to have our journey recognised is incredibly special.
"This recognition reflects the collective efforts of everyone who has supported the initiative—from Elior UK colleagues and community partners to volunteers, charities, sponsors and the many people who have helped spread kindness along the way. It demonstrates what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose to make a positive difference.”
Alongside his leadership role at Elior UK, Marius has continued to champion employee wellbeing, resilience, volunteering and community engagement through the initiative, demonstrating how business leaders can use their platform to create positive change beyond the workplace.
The recognition also reinforces the growing importance of corporate social responsibility, and the role businesses can play in supporting healthier, stronger and more connected communities. By encouraging volunteering, fundraising and community partnerships, initiatives such as Miles of Smiles help create lasting social impact while inspiring colleagues and local organisations to get involved.
The Rotary GB&I feature can be read at:
https://magazine.rotarygbi.org/marius-coste-walk-july-2026