Combined Charity Effort for Scottish Government

The Charity for Civil Servants and The Lifeboat Fund, the Scottish Government's two dedicated charities, have joined forces this year to promote the 'Scot Gov Virtual Munro Challenge'. Colleagues can virtually climb the Scottish Three Peaks during the month of September to raise money and reflect the Scottish Government's value of Kindness, putting the people we serve at the heart of everything we do.

Colleagues and their families and friends can sign up individually or as a team to virtually climb Ben Nevis (1,345 m), Ben Macdui (1,309 m) and Braeriach (1,296 m), a distance of 3,950 metres in total. That could be done by climbing, walking, running or wheeling the equivalent distance on the weekend of 16 to 18 September, or spread throughout the month. 

While that's the exciting core challenge, if the suggested timescale and distance sound daunting, colleagues can sign up and show support with whatever is manageable. No-one should feel left out as every step counts!  There are also prizes to win, kindly donated by the Civil Service Insurance Society.

Both the Charity for Civil Servants and The Lifeboat Fund have been busier than ever throughout the pandemic, assisting those who rely on their help, and the support of colleagues from the Scottish Government is how they make that happen. 

Cecilia McClure, Head of Engagement, Scotland, at the Charity for Civil Servants explains how your donations can make a difference. She said: 

"The Charity for Civil Servants supports civil servants, past and present, when times are tough, listening without judgement and offering practical, financial and emotional support. It's easier when you and your family have got a whole community behind you. And that's why – and how – we exist.

"The Charity appreciates that currently many colleagues are experiencing financial concerns related to the cost of living; for support on this particular issue, please visit the Charity for Civil Servants website."

Angela Saunders, Lead Scottish Government Fundraiser and Director of Fundraising for The Lifeboat Fund, said: 

"The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. The Civil Service's Lifeboat Fund is its single biggest donor and so our help really matters.  This year, we've committed to paying for improvements and development at four RNLI lifeboat stations, including £10,000 for Broughty Ferry, one of Scotland's busiest lifeboat stations. Your donations and support of this initiative will make a huge difference to their life-saving work. We'll also continue to support education projects to reduce the dreadfully high instances of drowning in Bangladesh. I would encourage all to get involved in this great challenge and support these two fantastic charities."

Permanent Secretary John-Paul Marks said:

I am delighted to commend to colleagues this exciting initiative developed in partnership by our two dedicated charities. It would be fabulous if a good number of colleagues wished to join in, and I will happily do so with my private office and senior team. I grew up living by the coast in an island community, and love sailing and swimming in the sea; it is always a genuine privilege to support the RNLI, through our Civil Service Lifeboat Fund. Let's see how far we can walk together in this significant challenge.  As well as supporting our well-being, we can help colleagues through The Charity for Civil Servants' great support services and help The Lifeboat Fund's efforts to get RNLI Broughty Ferry back in great shape for its life-saving work.'

Please visit the fundraising page for details on how to support the challenge and get involved. 

The original version of this article appeared on the Scottish Government's intranet. 

Photo credit: Scottish Dream Photography "End of the Ridge", Creative Commons License.