Staff at the Marine Institute are embarking on a festive fundraising challenge in aid of the RNLI - they plan to to walk, run, row, cycle, and swim a total of 4,068km, equivalent to the distance from their headquarters in Renville, Galway to the North Pole. The fundraiser is a team challenge recognising the work of the RNLI Lifeboats Ireland, and they are inviting everyone to join in and support this worthy cause.
“The ocean is at the heart of the work that we do in the Marine Institute,” said Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute. “Many of our colleagues and those that we work with spend much of their time at sea. Knowing that the emergency services are there should we need them is a huge comfort for all who use the ocean, whether for work or for pleasure.
“This year has been difficult for many and especially hard also for charities such as RNLI Lifeboats Ireland. For these reasons, as an organisation the Marine Institute decided that together we could do our bit to support the RNLI and have a bit of festive fun while we are at it.”
It costs the RNLI €1,650 to train a volunteer lifeboat crew member for a year, and €1,764 to kit them out in lifesaving gear. This year, the RNLI was responsible for 78 rescues and lives saved in Galway.
Mike Swan, lifeboat operations manager with Galway RNLI, expressed the organisation’s gratitude to the Marine Institute for organising the fundraiser.
“This has been a challenging year for the RNLI as the demand for our service remains high and we have been operating during restrictions with PPE for the volunteer lifeboat crews,” Mr Swan said. “Those crews bring loved ones home every day and this year we have continued to do that along with all our lifeboat colleagues around the coast. Thank you to the Marine Institute for this wonderful fundraiser which will support the RNLI’s work in saving lives at sea.”
Anyone can join the Marine Institute North Pole Challenge, which runs until Friday December, by visiting bit.ly/northpolechallenge
“We are asking the public to consider adding their kilometres to our fundraiser and making their steps or swims count,” Dr Connolly added. “Together we can make this an easy downhill and raise much needed funds for RNLI lifeboats.”
Those who wish to get involved can commit some kilometres or choose to donate, and help to walk, run, row, swim, or cycle the 4.068km from Galway to the North Pole. Participants can post their challenge photos on social media, and tag @marineinstitute and use the hashtag #NorthPoleChallenge.
