UK-based Charity Astriid, Takes a Virtual Tour of the Planet – and Raises £70,000

UK charity Astriid has successfully completed a virtual lap around the world to raise vital funds for people with long-term health conditions seeking work.

Participants in The Astrid Challenge were invited to walk, run, swim, cycle, rollerblade or even dance to help the charity complete their virtual circumnavigation of the globe and raise money for an important cause. During the Challenge, participants were encouraged to set goals and complete their own personal challenges, while being supported every step of the way by the Astriid team.

The initial goal of covering 40,200km, equivalent to one lap around the world, was exceeded thanks to the activities of 587 participants. An impressive distance of 60,284km was travelled throughout the month of July, raising over £70,000.

July was a record-breaking month for the charity for more reasons than just the Astriid Challenge, with more positions and opportunities offered to Astriid candidates than ever before.

Steve Shutts, Astriid CEO said, “We are absolutely delighted with the results of the Astrid Challenge. It’s a remarkable achievement to complete a lap around the planet and raise so much. As the Challenge took place, businesses have been from across the country have been creating opportunities for flexible, remote, and part-time roles that all represent perfect assignments and projects for our candidate pool. It’s been truly record-breaking, and I’m thrilled to see our steady stream of incoming candidates find employment as a result of the support Astriid has provided.”

The monies raised during the Astriid Challenge will fund Astriid’s important work matching its candidates, known as ‘The Invisible Talent Pool’, to meaningful employment they may have otherwise been turned away from due to long-term health conditions.

Chronically ill and disabled people comprise 1 in 4 of the UK workforce, yet frequently face discrimination when it comes to career opportunities. Through the support of the charity, Astriid’s candidates have been able to go into roles with companies such as Salesforce, Ageas UK, and Altran.

The Astriid Challenge was sponsored by Salesforce, Advanced, Cognizant, Twelve Tabulae, and With You With Me.