Two colleagues cycle 500 km to support SOS Préma
At Manutan, we believe that everyone has the power to help enterprise for a better world. Through the Manutan Social Fund, our charitable and solidarity-focused initiative, we invited employees to submit projects with a positive social impact. The very first project born from this programme has just come to life: an extraordinary sporting challenge taken on by two colleagues in support of SOS Préma, a charity that assists families of premature babies.
An Inspiring Human Adventure
From 1st to 3rd October, Maxime Gluch, Head of Sales Strategy and Go-To-Market Marketing, and Douglas Gill, Export Sales Manager at Manutan France, cycled an impressive 500 kilometres from our European Centre warehouse in Gonesse, France, all the way to our Dutch subsidiary in Den Dolder, the Netherlands.
Each day, they set off at sunrise and spent nearly ten hours in the saddle. Over the course of their journey, they crossed three countries, carrying with them a second-hand item: a spare part for an office chair. This symbolic gesture echoed our strong commitment to the principles of the circular economy.
Throughout their ride, Maxime and Douglas were spurred on by the encouragement of family, friends, and colleagues. They were warmly welcomed at each stage of their route by loved ones and supporters such as Frédéric Alliot, Deputy Mayor for Sport in Saint-Quentin, Filip Van Den Abeele, Country Manager of our Belgian subsidiary, and Nisrene Haddad, Manutan Group CSR Director and member of the General Management Board.
Proud of what they accomplished and full of gratitude, they shared: “We were so lucky to experience this adventure! We’re incredibly thankful to Manutan for making it possible, and to everyone who supported us along the way.”
A Challenge for a Good Cause
For every kilometre cycled, the Manutan Social Fund donated €1 to SOS Préma. At the same time, employees were encouraged to join in by making their own donations, with the Fund matching every euro contributed. Altogether, the initiative raised €1,800 for the charity.
Maxime reflected: “Through this challenge, we wanted to show our support for parents of premature babies to let them know they’re not alone. It was our way of giving real meaning to our effort, channelling our energy into a profoundly human cause.”
By empowering its people to take action for causes close to their hearts, Manutan reaffirms its commitment to contributing to a better society. Maxime and Douglas have set an inspiring example, paving the way for many more initiatives to come, supported by the Manutan Social Fund.