When you think of philanthropy, what comes to mind? Signing a check for charity? Wrapping boxes full of toys for children in need during the holidays? Maybe volunteering at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter? Philanthropy means “love of mankind,” and giving money or time to a cause, benefitting people who you don’t personally know, is a meaningful and valuable expression of philanthropy. It shows you care.
But, like so many other aspects of our society, philanthropy evolved during the pandemic. From social distancing to mask mandates to economic depression and job uncertainty, COVID-19 added unexpected financial and physical challenges to charity.
So, what direction do you go in when you’re faced with blockers to giving back? Up.
The Three Peaks Challenge
If Iterators are known for anything, it’s for embracing challenges. It probably has something to do with our growth mindset. Those with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, learn from criticism, and are inspired by the success of others. They challenge the status quo and push for more information, more learning, and, in the case of charity, more impact.
When confronted with the challenge of pandemic philanthropy, Iterable’s EMEA and North America teams are embracing their growth mindset and taking to the high road.
This summer, over 30 Iterators will take on the National Three Peaks Challenge. Together, the team will climb the highest mountains in England (Scafell Pike, 978m/0.6mi), Scotland (Ben Nevis, .83m), and Wales (Snowdon, 1085m/0.67mi), over the course of 24 hours.
That’s 42km (in 24 hours, ascending approximately +3,408m (that’s approximately 3,408m more than we do in a day). Impressive? We think so.
The Opportunity
Why climb mountains, you may ask?
“Symbolically, climbing a mountain would represent achieving a summit, challenging ourselves to go further than our daily limits and reaching the peak of our performance,” shares Elle Nadal, Iterable’s Director of Marketing, EMEA and Three-Peaks Challenge participant.
“More specifically, climbing the three highest mountains in the UK in 24 hours represents a challenge that will take us out of our comfort zone, all whilst raising money for a philanthropic purpose, and spreading joy. To me there is no greater reward. To quote the famous words of Martin Luther King Jr,
“Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.”- Martin Luther King Jr.”
It’s always good to give. But at altitude, everything seems to have a greater impact.
Together We Can
Iterators (like most of the world) were forced to work remotely at the onset of the pandemic. We’ve learned to love this new way of work, and have fully adjusted to the new remote reality, implementing a flexible Future of Work as our permanent business fixture starting in January of this year.
Still, while remote work has its benefits (hello all-day pajamas), it also has its difficulties (it’s not always easy to connect with new colleagues over Zoom).
Pictured left to right, Mike McGuire, Eloise Shuttleworth, Elle Nadal, Byron Goodman, and Gemma Mayhew are just a few members leading the charge for the Three Peaks Challenge.
The Three Peaks challenge is as much about charity as it is about connection. To expand our impact, we are inviting Iterators around the globe, as well as our customer and partner community, to participate in a step challenge. The goal for each member is to walk 42 km (26 miles)—the same total the Three Peaks Team are climbing across the three Summits.
Climbing and hiking to the top—together—and engaging the workforce on the ground is a great way to reignite teamwork and align Iterators in a move to do something more. It’s a reminder that, while we may be oceans apart, we can still collaborate (and climb) for a cause.
Climbing for a Cause
“Find Your Why” is a staple of motivational speaker Simon Sinek’s instruction. Everyone has a “why”, Simon says. Do you know yours?
Now that we’ve paused for dramatic effect (did it work?!), here’s the “why” of the Three Peaks Expedition by sharing more about the three charities piquing the interest of Iterable’s EMEA-based adventurists.
- “Together we will beat cancer.” That’s the motto of Cancer Research UK, a nonprofit organization that funds scientists, doctors, and nurses to help beat cancer sooner. They also provide cancer information to the public. Importantly, Cancer Research UK develops policy to inform government decisions related to cancer and research.
- Mind is a mental health charity. They provide advice and support and empower anyone experiencing a mental health issue. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
- The team at Refuge believes that no one should have to live in fear of violence or abuse. Refuge supports thousands of clients every day, helping them rebuild their lives and overcome many forms of violence or abuse.
Help us reach our target of $30,000 across these three charities! Donate directly to Iterable’s Three Peaks Expedition page!
As We Scale, So Does Our Impact
The Three Peaks team has already started preparations for their expedition, and will continue to train and fundraise until the expedition begins in July. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you in the loop on their training and progress.
In the meantime, here’s a breakdown of their Three Peaks Timeline!
Iterable is a company that cares. Sound like a team you’d like to join? We’re hiring for roles in all departments, in the US and EMEA. Check out our careers page for more!
