In June of this year, 64 dedicated RB employees from 33 different countries met in Brazil for Global Challenge 2011. This was RB’s third Global Challenge and, as expected, this demanding event was bigger and better than ever before!

We spoke to some of those who took part in and were inspired by both the trek and the community challenge.


“I am lucky enough to have two healthy children between the ages of one and three who have everything in the world at their fingertips,' said James Clayton, R&D manager Microbiology/Virology, RB US.

"They both are exposed to stimulation on a daily basis that enriches their lives. I wanted to give back to those children who have very little, who struggle to maintain their health and a strong cognitive development.

“Pre-school education is the basis of these kids future and to have the opportunity to help construct a engaging and learning environment for a few hundred kids was very exciting. The whole week was an amazing experience that still hasn't fully sunk in. I will never forget my time in Brazil and will use it to teach my children how lucky they are.”


“During the week I was assigned to do sanding, priming and painting on most of the walls; sometimes helped on weeding and cleaning furniture – in real life, I hardly wash a dish!” admits Cat Kwok, supply controller, EAST Dongguan China.

“It was tough to keep working outdoors under such hot and sunny conditions, but when everything was almost done I felt so proud that we had made such a great achievement. I want to recommend RB employees to consider taking the next challenge; this is a great cause, great experience and great fun!”

"The fund raising was difficult," admits Nathan Howes, project engineer, RB UK.  "Local companies we use donated over £1500, my colleagues then helped with another £1500 through sponsorship, a product sale and a fun day themed around the Royal Wedding using the Born to Party packs from Save the Children. The rest came from family and friends sponsoring me.

“I'm glad I put the time in training too, simply turning up would have been foolhardy – the past ten months have been absolutely worth the efforts and gave me an experience I will never forget!"

“Everyone working at Reckitt Benckiser relies on adaptation and flexibility to do their job – the trek matched our expectations in that respect. At least it did mine!” said Gautier Champenois, brand manager, Spain.

“Setting different paces during the trek allowed all of us to enjoy the experience in our way – philosophising, taking pictures, or simply enjoying the physical challenge. But at the end, whatever the pace, whatever the expectations, we were all gathered for Save the Children and enjoyed together the wonderful moments we were given to share.”
 


“This is an amazing group that came from 33 countries and we enjoyed going through the tough 75km trek working together, as one, in a group as diverse as this,” explains Elvin Wong, finance director, China. “It truly reflects RB as a global company.”