In September 2021 marketing localization agency, Wordbank approached First Story with an idea: to raise donations for our Young Writers Programme through fun, collaborative activities with their team. We couldn’t have been more thrilled to be selected as Wordbank’s Charity of the Year, and even more excited after meeting the team and hearing that the plan for their first fundraising activity would involve a month-long virtual relay race, connecting excited participants from Wordbank’s network of over 4000 employees across continents, as they explored their surroundings and passed the virtual baton over great distances. And the generous senior management team at Wordbank decided to take the challenge a step further. They agreed to match the proceeds raised when the team hit their fundraising goal of £250!
What happened next was beyond inspiring, and we couldn’t be happier to announce that Wordbank smashed their target, raising £500 for First Story’s Young Writers Programme. Scroll down to read about three Wordbank employees for whom the relay became much more than a jog in the park!
Sarah’s journey
I hadn’t taken part in a running event since just before lockdown. Our virtual relay race for First Story was a great motivator to get back to a half-marathon event. I was really pleased that I took part. The start and finish was at Hampton Court Palace so I enjoyed the Henry VIII theme. I enjoyed sharing my experience with other Wordbankers and it was fun to see what everybody else had been doing for their legs of the relay. There was quite a range!
Sarah Kerkache
Bert’s Journey
It was fun to take part in the Wordbank virtual relay to raise money for First Story. Even though it was virtual, it was still a great way to connect with my colleagues. I happened to be in Belgium when the virtual race took place and I decided to go for a cycle ride in the countryside. The local area of Hoegaarden brought back a lot of childhood memories including the many walks I did with my beloved granddad in this area.
Bert Vanmuysen
Jonny’s journey
It was fantastic to join the Wordbank virtual relay race to raise money for First Story. I took the opportunity to step from one life chapter into the next, leaving off the keys to my old flat in Fulham and walking to my new home in Hammersmith before passing the baton to my colleague, Zoe. It was so fun to get outdoors and raise money alongside my colleagues. My journey was quite literally life-changing!
Jonny Simpson
But the fundraising fight is not over. The wonderful team at Wordbank so enjoyed working together that the next fundraiser is already in motion. In December the team will be completing a virtual bake, just in time for some Christmas gorging!
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Wordbank for their generosity – we can’t wait to see what this exciting partnership will bring next.
Wordbank are the marketing localization people. Since 1988, they’ve helped brands reach, inspire and drive action from their customers through localized marketing communications. They are more than their offices in the UK, US, China and Japan, with a network of over 4,000 people across the world. With their unique blend of traditional and creative language services and global digital marketing capabilities, they’ll connect your words to the right people, in the right language, on the right channels.
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