Intel employees raise almost €14,000 with annual charity cycle

Each year Intel Ireland selects two signature charities in order to give employees the opportunity to dedicate their efforts towards providing volunteer time and funds, raised through a variety of specially organised activities, to these chosen organisations. For 2019, Saplings Rathfarnham and Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue were selected and employees have been taking part in numerous events during the year to date to raise funds and generate awareness in support of the two selected causes.

In what has now become a much anticipated annual event, and one of the highlights of the yearlong activities, the Intel charity cycle challenge gave employees the chance to complete routes of 50km, 80km or 160km. The cycle, which is now in its tenth year, took place on Friday, September 6th and each of the routes began at the Intel Ireland campus in Leixlip before taking in various parts of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, depending on the length of the cycle. Each of the routes culminated at Summerhill Community Centre, a venue which kindly opened its doors to welcome the Intel cyclists and crew.

 

Colin O'Brien takes part in the Intel charity cycle.

Some 140 Intel employees kitted out in distinctive black, teal and purple jerseys formed a colorful formation as they passed through numerous towns and villages including Maynooth, Kilcock and Moynalvey. The weather too played its part as the rain was mostly kept at bay and by lunchtime each of the cyclists, along with the all important support team, had arrived safely in Summerhill.

The cycle was particularly special this year as it coincides with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Intel in Ireland and the jerseys were by the cyclists included a nod to the important milestone as they incorporated a specially designed ’30th anniversary’ logo.

There was time for a quick pit stop and the chance to hear from both charities who were on-hand to greet the group and remind the participants of how their efforts are making a real impact to the important work of both organisations. The cyclists then set off on their bikes again for the final stretch of their challenge which took them on a return journey back to the Intel campus in Leixlip.

 

Cyclists and support crew at Summherhill Community Centre.

As well the 140 cyclists there were 40 additional volunteers taking to the road in a number of support roles in order to ensure that the group safely navigated their way through the charity event. There was a fantastic response to the cycle again this year with almost €14,000 being raised overall for the signature charities. This will be combined with monies raised through other events with the total overall fundraising amount being revealed at the end of the year.

Both of the Signature Charities will also benefit from Intel’s unique initiative, the Matching Grants Program, which motivates employees to engage in volunteerism by providing cash grants to the organisations where the employees volunteer their time.

Intel employee Catherine Doyle taking part in the charity cycle.