A group of Unisys EMEA associates have been inspired to take on a remarkable challenge to raise funds and awareness in aid of cancer charity Kom op tegen Kanker.
With the backing of Unisys Marketing, a team of 8 associates trained in every free moment in preparation for the Kom op tegen Kanker 100km-run. They took the opportunity to train during lunch hours and in any free time that they had. This is not the first endeavor for our Unisys team, with them taking on the challenge of the Brussels Ekiden relay-marathon as well as a 10 miler in Antwerp.
When asked about their motivation, the runners cited the slogan of the organizing charity ‘Together with you, we fight cancer every day’, and felt that this resonated with our own Unisys team spirit, and vision to enhance people’s lives. The team has personal experience of those dealing with this terrible disease and wanted to support those around them impacted by cancer. The charity notably focusses on raising funds to support research for rare cancers, that often do not achieve recognition in the media spotlight.
The event has also created an opportunity to bring associates together, not just connecting the participants. Unisys associates from across EMEA got involved via the internal campaign including All-Hands meetings and social fundraisers prominently sharing our #weareUnisys hashtag.
However, the tough training regime proved to be in vain - for the moment. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of public health the organizers of our 100km running challenge, Kom op tegen Kanker, took the decision to cancel this year’s run. Public health is at the core of the charity’s mission, so the cancellation of this year’s event was the best decision to take. Moving forwards is what counts – so we are pleased to say that the run will take place in March 2021 and Unisys will once again enter a team to take on the challenge to raise funds to support the fight against cancer and help ‘secure the tomorrows’ for people across the world.
In the interim, the decision was taken that €2,500 of the money generously donated by Unisys and all the supporters will be shared with Kom op tegen Kanker so it can continue to support indispensable projects, working on new medication and better treatments for cancer patients. The remaining funds raised will be held to eventually kick-start the teams next engagement with the event, their training program and campaign for 2021.
