1 February 2012

Costain is taking a leading role in helping charity CARE International UK hold a major fundraising event designed to improve housing and other basic facilities in the Third World.

The CARE Construction Challenge, to be held at Purbeck, Dorset, on 30 June, will see teams from Costain, its supply chain and other construction companies, take part in a marathon-length course (26 miles, 385 yards) split into sections completed on foot, bicycle and kayak.

Costain is one of the event’s main backers. Money to aid CARE International UK’s overseas efforts will be raised through sponsoring the teams.

The charity operates in some of the poorest countries in the world. As well as providing disaster relief, it takes a long-term interest in communities, putting in place facilities such as clean water, health services and teacher-training that aim to help communities break the cycle of poverty.

It also provides training in construction techniques for local people so they can build better homes for themselves and their community in future years.

“Our role in the Construction Challenge is to help the team at CARE International set the challenge up so it is of interest to the construction industry,” said Group Innovation Manager, Tim Embley. “We’ve been working with them over the past three years to shape the Challenge and to take it around the country to give the opportunity to Costain sites, our customers and supply chain across the UK to participate.

“In the past the events have predominantly been held in Wales, last year it was in the Midlands and this year it will be on the South Coast.

“It’s a great opportunity for Costain site teams, clients and the supply chain to compete in friendly rivalry. Costain helps organise it as part of the ‘Costain Cares Commitment’, our corporate responsibility programme and as a major player in the industry we believe it’s important to play an active role in charitable work.

“One of the key things this year is to encourage our sponsored students to play a role, whether they are at university or on work experience on Costain projects; hopefully we’ll see some young teams taking part alongside veterans!”

Senior Planner, Phil Whitney, has competed in CARE events for the past three years, bringing several teams from Wales that together have raised more than £30,000 for the charity: “There’s a healthy rivalry between teams,” he said. “Last year we competed against different Costain projects, which gave us an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.”   

Graduate Civil Engineer, Ros Parker, organised a team that competed last year for the first time.  “We had great fun raising the money and competing against other Costain teams and we’re looking forward to this year’s event,” she said. 

Commenting on Costain’s commitment to the CARE Construction Challenge, Neil Munro, Head of CARE Challenge, said:  “Apart from raising vital funds for CARE, Costain employees have always been amongst the most enthusiastic and friendly participants.”

To register your interest in this year’s event, contact CARE at this address: http://www.carechallenge.org.uk/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1817&Itemid=119

The charity can offer practical help in setting up fundraising efforts.

Ends